Boost as CS Yatani increases budgetary allocations for sports
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani has recommended Sh15.8 billion to the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund when he tabled the next financial year estimates before parliament on Thursday afternoon.
This is a slightly higher allocation in the 2022/23 national budget for the sports sector which is an increase from the Sh15 billion handed to the Fund in the last financial year.
With major sporting events lined up later this year, like the Africa Senior Championships, World Athletics Championships and the Commonwealth Birmingham 2022 Games, this is a major boost to the Ministry of Sports as it embarks on preparing the Kenyan athletes.
CS Yatani, who tabled the last budget under president Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime, proposed Sh125 million for the refurbishment of regional stadiums.
“To further support sports development and tourism recovery, I have proposed an allocation of Sh15.8 billion for the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund; Sh3.2 billion for the Tourism Fund; Sh1.8 billion for Tourism Promotion Fund; and Sh125 million for the refurbishment of the regional stadia.”
To discourage gambling in the country, Yattani imposed a 15 per cent excise duty on fees charged by all television stations, print media, billboards and radio stations for advertisements of these activities.
“Gambling, gaming and alcohol addiction, have become prevalent in our society. These habits are extremely addictive and can result in a variety of harmful repercussions, especially for the youth.
“Advertisements for alcoholic betting and gaming (alongside alcoholic beverages) contribute greatly to the promotion of these habits.
