Dilapidated stadiums, lack of sponsorship for local teams and outright neglect of some sports taint the superficial magnificence of Nakuru’s sports industry.

This despite an attractive budget allocation for the County’s Sports docket.

A close look at the budgetary allocation in the last financial year indicates that Sh 27.5 million had been set aside for promotion of sports and youth activities.

Even with this budget, various sports clubs in Nakuru have continued to lament over what they term is poor sports welfare in Nakuru.

Nakuru city queens- a club that has made history by getting to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) women’s cup final, is one of the teams that has gone through harsh times as they struggle with issues of getting a full time sponsor.

The club’s founder Bernard Esitoko says he has been relying on well- wishers to ensure the team has their welfare catered to.

According to Esitoko, the Department of Sports should move with speed and ensure such clubs that make Nakuru proud are also taken good care of through the budget allocation.

“The sports docket falls under a very huge Ministry. But we urge the county government to start supporting the welfare of some of our clubs that make Nakuru proud,” says Esitoko.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Paul Karori and Job Okumu who are in-charge of upcoming AC Manyani Football Club that is playing in the FKF Sub branch league in Nakuru.

The duo is of the opinion that the allocation to the sports docket should be doubled to ensure all clubs in Nakuru including those at grass root level are supported.

Ms Florence Ofwenje- the lead trainer of the Nakuru Para volleyball team reads from the same script as she notes that her team has been suffering whenever they have to travel to other counties for the matches.

Nakuru County CECM for Gender, Sports and Social Services Ms Josephine Achieng’ on her part through a phone interview calls for patience as the County works to ensure the welfare of sports persons and young talents in the country are well catered for.

She notes that the department is huge hence the County Assembly members should consider increasing the budget allocation.

pmambili@gmail.com

Local teams suffer despite Sh 27.5 million budget allocation to County's sports department

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Pristone Mambili