Brian Wanyama
The ever-vibrant, youthful politician Ababu Namwamba made a triumphant return to the cabinet when President William Ruto appointed him to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports. Like a fish in water, Ababu took over the mantle with gusto, guts, and bravado, rolling up his sleeves and getting down to work.
Upon assuming the role of Sports CS, Ababu inherited a ministry with a mountain of challenges. Kenya was already under FIFA suspension; our athletes were teetering on the brink of a ban by World Athletics and the World Anti-Doping Agency due to a rampant doping crisis, and the sports sector was in disarray. In hindsight, Ababu has given his all to the job, and it is fair to say he is the best Sports CS Kenya has seen across different governments in a long time. He surely deserves reappointment into the cabinet when President Ruto next reshuffles his team.
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Ababu’s tenure is marked by significant achievements, particularly in turning around Kenya’s sports fortunes. He was instrumental in spearheading the successful joint bid with East African neighbors Uganda and Tanzania to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Just a month ago, Kenya’s Under-17 ladies’ team, the Junior Starlets, made history by qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, marking the first time a Kenyan team has qualified for any FIFA World Cup competition. Ababu’s unwavering support as Sports CS was pivotal in making this possible.
Sports stakeholders widely acknowledge Ababu’s stellar performance. Under his leadership, Kenya successfully lobbied FIFA to lift the football suspension, and AFCON is set to grace Kenya for the first time. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of the sports sector have garnered him praise across various disciplines. Ababu previously served in the same docket under the late President Mwai Kibaki, from 2012 to 2013.
Ababu’s legacy also includes resolving long-standing issues with the Kenya Swimming Federation and the Kenya Badminton Federation (KBF), both suspended by their respective world federations due to leadership wrangles. Additionally, he tackled the perennial problem of poor sports infrastructure. Upon his appointment, development projects resumed, with ongoing renovations at Kasarani Stadium now reflecting real progress. The Talanta Hela Sports City complex, once completed, is poised to be the premier football facility in East Africa. During his tenure, the Talanta Hela Initiative was realized, credited with identifying, nurturing talent, and rewarding excellence in sports.
Ababu’s leadership has been characterized by active listening and a keen understanding of stakeholders’ needs. His contributions in meetings have consistently demonstrated his deep commitment and passion for the sports docket. Under his stewardship, funding for junior teams has significantly improved, starkly contrasting to previous administrations that focused solely on senior teams, neglecting the youth.
Sports stakeholders have urged President Ruto to reappoint Ababu to the Sports docket, even as they wish him success in his future endeavors.
Scripted by Kenn Okaka.
Kenn Okaka is a communications expert and a dedicated football stakeholder.
