Kenya: The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Creative Economy has announced their intention to create universal health coverage for retired athletes. The aim of the initiative is to ensure that the interest of the sportspersons of Kenya can be protected.
The government of Kenya has been taking up many transformative initiatives for the betterment and development of the sports and creative sector. They have recently launched the Talenta Hela initiative which aims to provide the creatives with a platform to monetize and profit from their talents.
The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry, Ababu Namwamba spoke of the significance of the project. He said, the government is committed to changing the fortunes of active and retired athletes. The initiative is a part of its quest to improve the welfare of its most prized assets.
The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Creative Economy made these remarks during the Burial of Legendary athlete Henry Rono. Through the Universal Healthcare Fund, the government wants to ensure that retired athletes enjoy affordable healthcare.
Additionally, CS Ababu Namwamba also spoke about the endowment fund for athletes which the government has created. The government representative noted that they have put Ksh. 20 million as the seed fund. The aim of this fund is to cater to athletes’ welfare.
Kenya is one of the biggest sporting nations in the African continent. The country’s athletes have done their best to put Kenya on the global sporting map.
Accordingly, the government wants to acknowledge the contributions of the sportspersons while they are still alive and active. The Cabinet Secretary observed that Kenyan athletes are the country’s branding asset.
Accordingly, he said “We have been deliberate and intentional in recognizing them, with a revamped rewards system, which we are determined to make it better.”
The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of sports, Youth Affairs and Creative Economy accompanied Permanent Secretary Peter Tum to the burial ceremony. He also talked about the government’s commitment to honouring the athletes of Kenya.