Members of Parliament (MPs) have urged the Kenyan government to enhance the country’s involvement in a broader range of sports at future Olympic Games.
Following a standing ovation for Team Kenya’s impressive performance at the recent Paris Olympics, the MPs highlighted the importance of investing in diverse sporting disciplines for improved representation and sustained global success.
Led by Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna, the MPs expressed concerns regarding Kenya’s limited participation this year, which focused primarily on athletics, resulting in all 11 medals being earned from athletic events alone.
They challenged the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen, to expand the country’s engagement in various sports leading up to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“It’s crucial that we broaden our sports coverage. By increasing our participation in a wider range of sports, we can enhance our chances of winning more medals,” Nguna stated.
He emphasized that while Kenya has shown its athletic strengths, the country must also strive to compete with nations like the United States, which secured over 100 medals, and powerhouse countries like China.
The MP commended Faith Kipyegon for her remarkable achievement in the 1500m women’s race, where she not only won gold but also broke the Olympic record.
Nguna remarked that Kipyegon’s success is unprecedented and deserves recognition.
Endebess MP (Dr.) Robert Pukose acknowledged that it is essential for the new Cabinet Secretary for Sports to widen the scope of sports representation ahead of the next Olympics.
“We hope that the CS will be able to act under the new dispensation to ensure that we present athletes across all disciplines at the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028,” Dr Pukose said.
He also pointed out the potential in traditional sports from communities like the Turkana and Pokot, suggesting that athletes skilled in events such as spear-throwing and shot put should be included in future Olympic training programs.
Baringo Women Representative Florence Jematiah expressed disappointment with Team Kenya’s overall performance in this year’s Olympics, noting a decline in the branding and acknowledgement of Kenyan athletes compared to the past.
“I expected to see extensive coverage of athletes like Faith Kipyegon, who pulled off an outstanding performance. Such achievements deserve more attention,” she remarked, advocating for government incentives to reward athletes for their excellence.
Sotik MP Julius Sigei emphasized the need for the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) to adequately prepare athletes for the next Olympics and diversify into other sports.
He lamented the loss of traditional strengths in events like the 10,000-meter and 3,000-meter steeplechase, urging the country to broaden its focus for future success.
Sigowet/Soin MP Justice Kemei called for a reevaluation of Kenya’s sports strategy, given the stiff competition from nations such as the USA and Ethiopia.
“My advice to CS Murkomen is to concentrate on our historical strengths while also exploring new disciplines,” Kemei suggested.
Tinderet MP Hon. Julius Melly emphasized the urgency of reclaiming Kenya’s dominance in long and middle-distance events, which the country is gradually losing to neighbouring rivals.
He also proposed that successful Kenyan athletes abroad should be brought back and celebrated, fostering a supportive environment that enables them to compete for Kenya.
Kiambu MP John Waithaka Machua raised critical concerns regarding the trend of Kenyan athletes migrating to other countries for better opportunities, urging an end to practices that result in the “selling” of athletes to nations like Bahrain.
He highlighted the case of Winfred Mutile Yavi, a Kenyan-born athlete who now represents Bahrain and won gold in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the Paris Olympics.
“Winfred Yavi revealed that Athletics Kenya officials demanded a bribe of Ksh 200,000 for her to represent Kenya. This is a serious issue, and such practices must cease to ensure our athletes are not coerced into paying to represent their country,” Machua asserted, emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize the welfare of Kenya’s athletes.
Kesses MP (CPA) Julius Ruto called for accountability from sports federations, blaming them for the recent subpar Olympic performance.
He noted a decline in Kenya’s strength in events like the 3,000-meter steeplechase and expressed concerns over the overall training and selection process.
Despite the recognition of Team Kenya’s efforts, Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo pointed out that the country is losing its traditional strengths in athletics.
He urged Athletics Kenya to invest in retired athletes, suggesting they could serve as brand ambassadors to promote sports globally.
“I urge Athletics Kenya to engage with these retired athletes, not only for competition but also in promotional roles,” Oundo concluded.
The MPs’ collective call to action reflects a renewed commitment to enhancing Kenya’s sports representation on the world stage and ensuring that the country is prepared to compete effectively at future Olympic Games.
