Treasury slashes Sports budget to Sh13.5 billion

National Treasury CS John Mbadi(3rd left)with the Appropriations Committee Chairman Samuel Atandi(right) and other leaders looks on at Parliament on June 12, 2025[Boniface Okendo, Standard]

The National Treasury has proposed a reduced allocation of Sh13.5 billion for the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund in the 2025/26 Budget.

In his maiden budget presentation at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, June 12, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the funds are aimed at positioning Kenya as a regional hub of talent and cultural heritage.

"I have proposed an allocation of Sh29.7 billion to support sports, culture, recreation, and tourism," Mbadi said.

"This includes Sh13.5 billion for the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund, Sh2.3 billion for the automation and digitisation of the Sports Registrar's system, and Sh241 million for the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya to ensure Kenya remains competitive in athletics and other sports."

Other proposed allocations include Sh402 million for Sports Kenya, Sh245 million for the Kenya Academy of Sports, Sh8.2 billion for the Tourism Fund, and Sh4.8 billion for the Tourism Promotion Fund.

This year's budget marks a reduction compared to the last financial year, when sports, culture, and tourism received a combined allocation of Sh32 billion.

In FY2024/25, the sports department received Sh18.5 billion, with Sh17.8 billion earmarked for the development and management of sports facilities and Sh516 million for sports training and competitions.

Additionally, the State Department for Culture, the Arts, and Heritage was allocated Sh3 billion.