The National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture has slammed the Ministry of Sports for its “unsatisfactory” and “shallow” response to the Sports Fund mismanagement claims. The sharp rejection, issued during a tense meeting at Bunge Tower, escalates a months-long battle led by Isiolo County MP Hon. Mumina Bonaya. She has pushed for a forensic audit of the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF) since February.
The committee based its stance on the Ministry’s failure to answer key questions raised in response to Hon. Bonaya’s March plenary request. That request followed her earlier statement on February 19th, where she demanded a detailed investigation into the fund’s finances.
Back then, Hon. Bonaya spoke on the floor of the National Assembly, citing a “public outcry over the mismanagement of funds in the sports sector.” She highlighted the plight of underfunded national teams, poor-quality gear, substandard playing fields, and chaotic events, issues that persist despite hefty budget allocations.
“There have been huge allocations, yet our national teams still struggle,” Bonaya emphasized. She called for a forensic audit by the Office of the Auditor General covering the last two financial years. Moreover, she requested a list of companies contracted to supply sports goods and services.
She also questioned how the Kenya Academy of Sports and SASDF assess sports development needs. According to her, the quality of preparations, sports gear, and playing fields fail to reflect the funds spent. This raises serious concerns about equitable fund distribution.
In April, the Ministry submitted its response to the committee chaired by Hon. Dan Wanyama. However, the response failed to meet expectations. “The Committee is not convinced the response addressed concerns raised by Hon. Gollo,” Wanyama said, referencing Bonaya’s wider efforts for transparency. Consequently, he issued a clear directive: “The Ministry must submit a comprehensive report that directly addresses all the concerns before re-tabling.”
Hon. Bonaya, present at the session, criticized the report sharply. “It does not fully address my concerns. It lacks detail and remains very shallow,” she told the committee. Notably, she had earlier demanded information on tenders for playing kits and equipment—details still absent in the latest submission.
This April 3rd confrontation marks another chapter in Bonaya’s growing campaign to reform sports fund management. Her February demand included a three-week deadline for a Ministry response. When the deadline lapsed, she escalated the matter in March. Now, the committee’s backing strengthens her position and increases pressure on the Ministry.
Hon. Wanyama reassured her during the meeting. “We will ensure that all her concerns are addressed satisfactorily,” he pledged. “We are here to make sure public funds benefit Kenyan athletes, not disappear into a black hole.”
The Sports Fund, meant to support sports infrastructure and nurture talent, has turned into a source of controversy. Hon. Bonaya’s concerns echo growing public frustration. Although Kenya boasts world-class athletes, its sports systems still suffer from resource gaps.
Her call for an audit of contracted companies suggests possible corruption or gross mismanagement. Therefore, the committee’s oversight is more urgent than ever.
Now, the Ministry must act swiftly. It must provide a revised report that satisfies the committee. Otherwise, it risks stronger calls for the Auditor General to launch a forensic audit. Such an investigation could expose serious issues that may shake the Sports Ministry to its core.
Kenya’s proud sports legacy, from Olympic champions to rugby legends, depends on transparent and effective use of public funds. The committee, led by Hon. Bonaya and Hon. Wanyama, shows no signs of backing down.
As the country awaits the Ministry’s next move, all eyes remain on a fund intended to uplift athletes, but now surrounded by suspicion.
For Hon. Bonaya, this goes beyond politics. “We need to know why our resources aren’t reaching the field,” she declared back in February. Today, that demand resonates more urgently than ever.
This story is still developing. Stay tuned for updates as Parliament intensifies its call for accountability.
