The Government will consider a review of the tax structure for sports equipment to ensure the accessibility and affordability of sporting tools.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi hinted at this move, emphasizing its potential to encourage participation in sports, particularly among the youth, as a viable source of livelihood and investment.
“As a government, our aim is to improve the policies governing sports and the arts, recognizing their significance as sources of income and investment, especially for the youth,” Mudavadi stated.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, emphasized that sports should no longer be viewed as exclusive to the elite but rather as a venture accessible to all.
Speaking at the prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open European Golf Tournament at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County, Mudavadi challenged the perception that certain sports, such as golf, are reserved for the privileged few.
He highlighted the emergence of great talents from humble backgrounds, underscoring the need to ensure equal access to sporting opportunities.
“We must dispel the notion that sports like golf are exclusively for the elite. Talents abound across all strata of society, and it is our responsibility as a government to ensure that sporting endeavors are within reach for everyone, regardless of their background,” Mudavadi emphasized.
He stressed the importance of instilling discipline and focus among the youth, emphasizing that sports, when harnessed effectively, can offer significant returns.
Mudavadi commended the organizers and sponsors of the tournament for choosing Vipingo Ridge Golf Course, noting the synergy between sports and tourism, which contributes to Kenya’s economic growth.
“Beyond the competition itself, events like this showcase Kenya’s beauty to the world, attracting visitors and revenue to our country,” Mudavadi remarked.
He highlighted the significance of the tournament in promoting social and economic transformation, aligning with the government’s Bottom-up Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Mudavadi praised the peaceful environment in which the tournament took place, contrasting it with global conflicts, and emphasized Kenya’s commitment to maintaining peace and welcoming visitors from around the globe.
“This event is taking place in a global environment that is full of conflicts and challenges, but back home here in Kenya everything is calm. This calls for all of us to ponder on the centres and nations that are experiencing conflict, dislocation, humanitarian crises and appreciate the value of peace since no one can buy peace.” he remarked.
Singaporean golfer Shannon Tan emerged as the champion of the 2024 Magical Kenya Ladies Open, earning a prize of KSh7.7 million (Euro 45,000) at the PGA Baobab Vipingo Ridge golf course.
