NAIROBI, May 11 – The Government will initiate reforms at the Betting Licensing and Control department aimed at empowering sporting activities in the country, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has said.Musyoka said time was high for all avenues of raising funds towards the development of sports in the country were exploited.
“There is need to raise sufficient funds by initiating reforms at the Betting department to promote sporting activities as one way of uplifting the living standards of upcoming sportsmen and sportswomen,’’ said Musyoka.
Speaking during the launch of ‘Score Hao Na Sofapaka Promotion’ at the Intercontinental hotel, Nairobi, Mr. Musyoka said the Government recognizes the vital role played by sporting activities in the economic development of the country.
Score Hao Na Sofapaka Promotion is an SMS-driven promotion where participants are required to send multiple-choice answers to simple questions to ‘3312’ with ‘promo sofapaka’ to Safaricom and Zain networks to win prizes.
The vice president called for concerted efforts in the development of sports, noting that apart from being a lucrative undertaking, sports engage the youth and keep them away from criminal and immoral activities.
“The Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to initiating viable development activities which can uplift the living standards among the youth,’’ he said.
He also supported calls for dual citizenship in the proposed new constitution dispensation, saying the move would greatly benefit sportsmen and women.
He noted that as the world becomes more integrated, there was need to encourage free movement of citizens and the right to own property in any part of the world.
"It has become clear that a number of sportsmen/women have secured citizenship in different countries of the world but upon retirement, they wish to come back to their country of origin. The dual citizenship will be of great advantage to them,’’ said Mr. Musyoka.
Chairman of the Betting Licensing Control Board Mr. Joseph Adongo said the department was ready to provide the necessary support towards the development of sporting activities in the country.
The President of Sofapaka, Mr. Elly Kalekwa said the club was out to revolutionize the face and the standards of Kenyan football.