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{
    "id": 586873,
    "url": "http://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/586873/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 280,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Melly",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1099,
        "legal_name": "Isaac Kipkemboi Melly",
        "slug": "isaac-kipkemboi-melly"
    },
    "content": "Thank you for allowing me. I wanted to point out the issue of doping as one of the challenges affecting our athletes. Lately, some of our athletes have been banned from participating in various sports due to doping. It is a sad state of affairs as such cases impact heavily on sports careers. Stringent measures must be put in place to ensure that our sports persons are not misled by their managers. Those found to have compelled them to use banned substances should be banned from managing our athletes. I also call upon the sports associations and Federationss of this country to align their constitutions with the country’s new Constitution. That way, sub-county and national levels can be actively involved in competitions and choosing their leaders in accordance with the Sports Act 2013. Sportsmen and women should have the upper hand in leadership and election of their respective Federationss. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have seen a number of our athletes suffer in their retirement. We are all aware of the difficulties that sports people such as veteran footballers, Joe Kadenge and James Siang’a and many others, are facing financially or otherwise. It would be a great betrayal to our sportsmen and women, if we forget them and let them suffer despite bringing this country overwhelming pride. The Government should consider setting up a fund for our heroes and heroines to benefit from during their retirement. I think it is evident to all of us on exactly what our athletes have done for this country. Kenyans are happy every time that they see a gold, silver and even bronze medalist. The reason is that these athletes have demonstrated the spirit of patriotism that they are Kenyans and not coming from specific tribes of this country. The unity of our country has been demonstrated very well whenever our athletes win medals in championships within and outside the country. As I conclude, let me echo these words, “Unless we have leadership in this country, the department of our sportsmen and sportswomen may not prevail in the coming years.” Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, unless there is a strategy starting from the leadership of the Ministry, different Federationss under sports; football, athletics and ball games, we must see that as realistic. I think as the Senate, we have what it takes to follow up on that and ensure that we regain our lost glory in terms of all the sports. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}