Several sports associations in the country face deregistration for failing to adhere to the new Sports Act, which came into effect on August 1 that requires them to register afresh with the sports registrar.
AK President Isaiah Kiplagat
The la came into effect on August 1. It spells out tough conditions that associations must comply with before being registered either as existing or transiting federations.
Some of the conditions require top officials – chairman, secretary general and treasurer – to receive clearance from various government agencies, including the credit reference bureau, the anti-corruption commission, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
Athletics Kenya chairman Isaiah Kiplagat said while they do not have any objections to groups applying for registration, they are uncomfortable with some of the conditions spelt out.
“We have picked the forms and are ready to submit them for registration but we have raised objections, which we want addressed first,” he said.
He particularly took issue with the requirement that top officials of associations be vetted by CID, KRA and the anti-corruption commission.
Refuse vetting
“We are not applying for government jobs so that we should be vetted. These are voluntary positions. We object to the formula requiring us to share revenue with our affiliates in a particular ratio,” said Kiplagat.
But Rose Wasike, the sports registrar, said the requirements will not change and associations that do not comply will face the consequences.
“The associations took part in coming up with this act. Mine is to enforce the law. The deadline for registration was August 1 and those who have not registered will face the consequences,” she said.
Article 47 (1) of the act says a body shall not operate as a sports organisation unless it is registered under this act. Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) asked for more time.
KRU chairman Mwangi Muthee has said they want at least 60 more days so to as to come up with a new constitution that complies with the act before they can seek registration.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is yet to comply as well with vice-chairman Robert Asembo insisting that registration for existing associations should be optional.
“We don’t have a problem with registration. However, it should be optional. The act should recognise associations that were in existence before it came into operation and should not require any other registration.
“The act should also provide a framework for sports to develop rather than seek to micro manage the running of sports in the country,” he said.
The Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA) chairman Andrew Mudibo said the government must seek dialogue in the matter instead of making it look like they are using the act to punish certain officials.
“The spirit of the act should be to develop sports rather than to discipline some people,” he said.
Kenya Volleyball Federation Secretary General Evans Wasike said they have picked the forms for registration but are yet to return them.
“This is the law and we have no choice but to comply,” he said.
By Gilbert Wandera, The Standard
