By Erick Ochieng

Nairobi,Kenya: The Government has unveiled an interim management committee for Sports Kenya (SK).

The interim committee, to serve for one year, will set up structures for transition of sports functions from Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB) and the Sports Department to Sports Kenya in line with the Sport Act 2013.

Outgoing Sports Minister, Ababu Namwamba, unveiled the 12-member committee at the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs in Nairobi, yesterday.

He also appointed a 16-member National Youth Council who will be in office for a period of three years with effect from December 10, 2012.

The Sports Kenya interim committee consists of Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, James Waweru, National Olympic Committee of Kenya representative Francis Paul, Sports Commissioner, Gordon Oluoch, SSMB Chief Executive Committee, Gabriel Komora, Senior Principal State Counsel John Njogu, Athletics Kenya secretary David Okeyo, Omulo Okoth who will represent the media, and Katwa Kigen, who is an advocate of the High Court.

Others are Benedict Omillo, Francis Michuki and Yolanda Anderson, who is the only woman representative in the committee.

Kigen has been chosen as the chairman of the committee due to his legal background, while Oluoch serves as the committee secretary.

The committee, that commences its work immediately, is also in charge of the transfer of properties vested in the SSMB and Sports Department to Sports Kenya as stipulated in the third clause of the fourth schedule in the Sport Act.

The SSMB and Sports Department are also in charge of the transfer of directions and orders issue them before the commencement of the Sport Act in accordance to clause four of the fourth schedule in the Act.

Other functions include preparation of regulations governing the transfer of assets and liabilities to vest on SK, preparation of administrative guidelines and regulations for transfer of functions from any local authorities to SK, overseeing public officers, updating register relating to property and work out an exit strategy after handing over its functions to SK.

Namwamba said he used his authority vested in the fourth schedule of the Sport Act to establish the interim Committee for Sports Kenya.

“The committee will be in office for 12 months to oversee the transition. They have a very clear and outlined responsibilities and powers that they will use to oversee the transition,” said Namwamba, who advised the committee to hold their first meeting next Thursday and work closely with the government.

“It’s a major achievement for me and a milestone for Kenya seeing the Sport Act take effect in this country. I thank the Ministers, Permanent Secretaries and sports officials who worked tirelessly to make the Sport Act a reality,” said Namwamba.

The Minister urged the media to keep vigilance on the transition and ensure the Sport Act is implemented in all sectors.

“They (media) should ensure targets set by the committee are met in accordance to the set deadlines,” added Namwamba.