Ministry of Sports directs federation officials to keep off technical roles

In light of dealing with conflict of interest and impunity in sporting federations, the Ministry of Sports has directed officials holding multiple positions to relinquish one for effective governance and accountability. 

Complaints of officials holding both administrative and technical roles in various federations have been raised from time to time especially on the eve and after international assignments. 

The latest federation to be adversely mentioned and criticised following the move by key bosses to take technical bench roles ahead of the Paris Olympic Games is the Kenya Volleyball Federation. 

However, it appears that it is the end of the road for officials, who have been wearing different hats if the latest directive from the Ministry is anything to go by. 

"Notably, some officials are serving in multiple capacities in leadership or overlapping leadership, administrative and technical roles. This overlap has led to conflicting duties hindering effective oversight, accountability and the overall performance and integrity of Kenya's sports programs," read part of the directive.

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The complaints have since been taken to the door of the Ministry, triggering the issuance of, the otherwise long overdue, directive given that the government is a key stakeholder and federations, majorly, draw funding from public coffers. 

While issuing it, CS Ababu Namwamba maintained that it was in good faith and enhancing governance and accountability in federations were the ultimate goals. 

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" Effective immediately, officials of National Sports Organizations holding multiple positions are required to relinquish either their administrative or technical roles. This directive aims to ensure a clear separation of duties, thereby enhancing governance and operational efficiency within our national sports organisations," added the letter. 

It remains to be seen whether federations will adjust in line with the instructions from the Ministry.