GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 5275

PURSUANT to sections 36, 45 and 46 of the County Governments Act, 2012, the functions of the County Executive Committee, in respect to performance of its functions inter alia, is to determine its program and activities. The County Executive Member Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Social Services and Sports has formulated this policy on sports whose aim is to harness and exploit the rich untapped potentials as well as streamline all aspects of sports development to improve on existing sports and initiate new ones. Definitions of erms "Sport" means any regular form of physical and/or mental activity done or organized by an individual or a group of people either indoors or outdoors, for recreation and/or competition. "The County Government (The County)" means The County Government of Uasin Gishu as established by Article 176 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. "Elite Sports" means Sports for the professional athletes who have previously participated in National level Sports and beyond. Athletes mean participants in any sporting discipline. "Stakeholders" means actors in sports development activities/programs "County Sports Council" means a Committee consisting of elected officials from various sporting disciplines responsible for coordinating activities of sporting associations. "Committee" means a group of persons elected or nominated to perform some service or function. "Sports Infrastructure" means Sports facilities including, Stadia, Gyms, Swimming pools, Sports talent centers (Academies) playfields among others. "Sports Organizations" means an organized body of people with a particular purpose. In this policy, it includes, Sports Associations, Federations, Councils, Boards, Unions, etc. "Sports Administrators" means Sports Officers, officials of Sports Organizations and team officials. ' "Sports Medical Personnel" means Sports Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses, Physiotherapists and Psychologists. "Sports Technical Personnel (officials)" means coaches, trainers, referees and umpires. "Doping" means the use of performance enhancing substances to influence activity. "Sports Development" means all sports issues related to improved performance i.e. sports activities and sports infrastructural development. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Uasin Gishu County Sports Policy is an instrument that provides a legal framework for sports development. It addresses different aspects of Sports that include talent nurturing, infrastructural development and capacity building. This policy is based on the recognition of the important role played by sports in human life. Sports permeate a wide range of socio-economic aspects of the lives of our people. It is vital for sustaining good health and wellbeing, enhances social interaction, and promotes integration and friendship among people of diverse socio- economic backgrounds. The history of sports in the County • dates back to pre-colonial period. Currently Uasin Gishu is ranked among the top sporting Counties in Kenya. The County is renowned for the athletic prowess of its inhabitants. World class athletes, particularly in track and field events, reside in the County; hence the County prides itself as The Champions. 14th June, 2019 To maintain and build on this well-earne,.I status, the County Sports Policy will streamline all aspects of, sports development to improve on existing sports and initiate new ones. This will be achieved through provision of guidelines on management of sports, sports infrastructure and resource mphiliZation and utilization. CHAPTER ONE 1.0 INTRODUCTION This policy is prepared by The County Government of Uasin Gishu based on schedule four of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 which enlists sports and sporting facilities as functions of the County Government. Historically, sports has always been part of the activities of the inhabitants of the County who engaged in such sports as dance, wrestling, hunting, traditional archery among 'others. Over time and with the introduction of other sports categories, the sports industry has undergone transformation and is how practiced as a career. It is an activity which provides self-expression and fulfillment, personal achievement, skill acquisition and detnonstration of abilities, social interaction, cohesion, enjoyment, good health and wellbeing. With the increasing cost of healthcare, the contribution of sports to good health could bring about significant economic value/ savings to individuals and the nation at large. 12 OBJECTIVES The objectives of this policy are: (a) To provide a legal framework for sports 'development activities and infrastructure. (b) To streamline all aspects of sports development. (e) To enhance identification and promotion of sports talent. CHAPTER TWO 2.1 Policy Direction This section explains critical and significant policy issues which are central to the development of sports in addition to various institutional and organizational mechanisms. 2.2 Sports and Economic Development The Sports industry is an important source of employment, income generation and wealth creation. Participation in career sports generates income among a wide spectrum of the population, thus playing a vital role in alleviating poverty. It is important to note that a number,of elite athletes have invested in ;his County and its environs. Sports investment refers to ploughing of the rewards and benefits received from participating in sports championships or other sporting activities into assets/items that can generate income or appreciate for economic growth and safety. Government and development partners also allocate funds for the development of sporting facilities, purchase of equipment and talent nurturing programs. Investment is key to sports development and, welfare of athletes. The County Government shall coordinate programs that: (a) Promote Talent identification and nurturing. (b) Improve sporting facilities (Infrastructure) and equipment. (c) Conduct capacity building programs for athletes, sports officials and stakeholders. (d) Provide advisory services on investment opportunities to athletes. (e) Encourage provision of incentives to those who wish to invest in sports in the County. (f) Encourage publicprivate and public-public partnership in the promotion of sports development. (g) Provide managerial and administrative expertise in sports. 2.3 Sports and Health Participation in Sports keeps one active, flexible and healthy. It helps the flow of blood and oxygen supply in the body organs. This in turn ensures proper functioning of the human body, reducing 'incidences of disease such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and high blood pressure. Other benefits include improved cardiovascular health, bone health; reduced body fat and obesity, improved aerobic fitness among others. The department of sports shall partner with the department of Health and other relevant organizations to promote participation in sports as a health management and rehabilitation therapy. 2.4 Safety and Security in Sports Owing to the nature of various sporting activities, safety must be guaranteed. It is expected that'the organizers of sports events *ill put in, place measures to ensure safe participation by all. The county Government shall put in place legislation on safety and security of participants. 2.5 Drugs and Substance Abuse in Sports . Drugs.and substance abuse adversely affect sports development as it damages the body organs. Doping has become a reality that must be addressed. The County Government shall put in place the following mitigation measures: (a) Ensure no selling of beer, cigarettes, miraa and other harmful substances to the youth during sporting events. (b) Encourage sports organizations to seek sponsorship from firms whose products promote good health. (c) Promote partnerships in sensitization campaigns against doping, drug and substance abuse. 2.6 Elite Sports Management of athletes requires programs' that sustain participation in sports as well as safeguard their education and career development._ This will ensure talent nurturing, academic skills acquisition and career development within and Outside sporting circles. The County Government in collaboration with other stakeholders shall: (a) Provide adequate and reliable sports infrastructure, equipment and personnel. (b) Organize sports championships/tournaments to ensure improved standards. (c) Encourage upcoming athletes to join sports Talent Academies for talent development while pursuing mainstream Etlucation. 2.7 Traditional Sports Traditional sports include Archery, Canoeing, wrestling, dancing, among others. They were used primarily for entertainment and also to enhance preparatory skills to adulthood, develop work related skills, promote health and fitness and to foster social cohesion. With the advent of modern sports, there has been a decline in the practice of traditional sports. The County Government shall: (a) Adopt and adapt traditional sports. (b) Encourage Communities to set aside arenas where they can participate in traditional sports and dance. (c) Organize traditional sporting events. 2.8 Inclusiveness in Sports The fundamental importance of sports overrides race, age, religion, gender and dfiability. None of these demographic issues should hinder participation in sports. Sports at all levels should be sports for all. The County Government shall: (a) Formulate sports development' programs that promote inclusion of youth, the aged, women, PLWDs, persons living with HIV/AIDS among others. (b) Promote community participation in development of sports programs. (c) Sensitize the public on the negative cultural, religious and socio-economic inhibitions to the participation of all. (d) Partner with other sports agencies to safeguard athletes against exploitation and abuse. (e) Encourage provision of recreational space, sports equipment, facilities and activities for persons with special needs. 2.9 Motivation in Sports Motivation is crucial in sports development. It refers generally to the metlfods or techniques used and the efforts made towards initiating, accelerating and sustaining interest and desirable performance of an individual or team in a given activity. It is an important factor that contributes to successful performance in sports. The County Government shall: (a) Encourage programs that will motivate athletes and sports officials. (b) Establish a Hall of fame. (c) Organize award galas to recognize athletes. (d) Devise and implement programs to honour renowned athletes. 2.10. Staff Sports Staff form the basic human resource essential for institutional development. It is therefore important that their health and general welfare is given consideration in order for them to perform efficiently. Participation in sports allows them to socialize, interact and integrate well amongst themselves, refreshes and breaks the work environment monotony, improves flexibility, good health and wellbeing and motivates them towards improved performance. The County Government shall encourage, support and promote staff sports programs. CHAPTER THREE 3.1 Institutional Framework The institutional framework shall comprise of Governmental and other sporting organizations or institutions whose collaboration shall be crucial to the successful implementation of the sport policy. The most important institutions which shall assume the leadership role in the implementation and monitoring of the policy and ensure such institutions collaborate are the County Department in charge of sports and the County sports council. (a) County Department in charge of Sport, whose role shall be to formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate policy directions on sports development. (b) County Sports Council The County shall establish a County Sports Council which will carry out the following functions: (d) Co-ordinate activities of all sporting Associations/Federations in the County. (e) Assist in the mobilization of resources for sporting activities, infrastructure and training. (f) Provide technical advice on sports matters- (g) Initiate partnerships in sports development. (h) Encourage local manufacture of sports equipment and uniforms. (i) Encourage donations of sports goods from various sports bodies, clubs and individuals. The membership of the County Sports Council shall comprise: (i) Chief Officer in charge of Sports who will be the chairperson. (ii) The director in charge of sports who will be the secretary. (iii) 7 other members who shall be elected from a congregation of 3 delegates each from the active sporting Associations/Federations from the County. National ministry in charge Sports who shall collaborate on issues of policy formulation and implementation, as well as Partner on development of sports infrastructure National and International sports committees to collaborate with their affiliates on sports development matters including funding, training, standards, infrastructural development among others. Universities and other Research institutions whose mandate will be to collaborate on ,issues related to research and scientific approach to sports development. Schools and private clubs who shall collaboration on provision and use the institutional facilities, training and officiating. Sports Associations/ Federations These are local and regional sports bodies formed by various sporting disciplines to run their programs. They are affiliated to National and or international organizations of various sporting disciplines. They collaborate with other agencies on the following matters: (i) Registration and affiliation. (ii) Discipline, dispute resolution and arbitration. (iii) Code of conduct for sports persons. (iv) Election of office.bearers in sports organizations. (h) County Departments The Department in charge of Sports shall collaborate with other departments such as Health, Education, and Public Service Management on various matters including, awareness campaigns, safety and security in all sports matters. CHAPTER FOUR 4.1 Sports Funding Sports development is capital intensive. The trend world-wide Iiias gradually shifted from Government to the private sector. This is due to the advent of sports professionalism, which requires it to be run as a profit generating venture rather than a pass-time occupation. The County Government shall: (a) Encourage public-public and public- private partnerships to support sports development activities and infrastructure. (b) Provide reasonable budgetary allocations. (c) Set up a County Sports fund. CHAPTER FIVE SPORTS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT • Sports facilities and Equipment are vital for sports talent and skills identification, nurturing and development. They, motivate athletes, coaches and other sports officials leading to improved performance. They can also be a source of revenue for the Teams and the County Government. Establishment and provision of standard facilities and equipment therefore needs efficient management to ensure durability and safety. The County Government is committed to: (a) Establish and maintain diverse sports and recreation facilities of acceptable standards within its means. (b) Identify and safeguard Land for the,establishment of sports and recreational facilities. (c) Ensure correct and proper management of sports facilities to avoid overuse and damage to the environment. (d) Ensure effective planning of sports facilities for Optimum utilization. 14th June, 2019 THE KENYA GAZETTE 5.1. Stadia and Sports Talent Academies These are sporting infrastructure necessary for talent nurturing and development. They host sports and non-sporting events and are vital source of income to the County Government. They motivate athletes, officials and spectators towards ratticipation in sporting events. The County Government shall: (a) Partner with stakeholders to put up ,.maintain and equip stadia and sports Talent Academies. (b) Set up structures for administration and management of stadia and Sports Talent Academies. 52. Monitoring and Evaluation The County Executive Committee member (CECM) in charge of Sports shall constitute a committee for Monitoring and evaluation to track and assess sports development programs and projects and report back on quarterly basis. 53 Policy Review This policy shall be reviewed regularly to meet the changing needs of sports actors/stakeholders. Dated the 18th September, 2018. JOSEPH KURGAT, CECM Education, Culture, MR/5816454 Youth Affairs, Social Services and Sports.