Edwin Sifuna Proposes 2 Gamechanging Amendments to Kenya’s Sports Act That Could Make AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia Rich

Edwin Sifuna has explained why the two key amendment proposals to the Sports Act of Kenya could make the country a sporting powerhouse.

Nairobi senator  Edwin Sifuna has unveiled two bold proposals to amend Kenya’s Sports Act, reforms he believes could completely transform the country’s sporting landscape and turn clubs like AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia into revenue-generating giants.

Speaking during the Creative Economic Forum between Kenya and the USA in June, Sifuna argued that the time has come to rethink how sports organizations are structured and funded in the country.

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Registering Clubs as Companies

The first proposal would allow sports organizations in Kenya to register as companies, enabling them to attract investors, sponsorships, and equity in the same way commercial enterprises do.

Clubs like Simba and Yanga have benefited from this model, and it has turned them into African giants.

“We had proposed amendments to the Sports Act that would allow sports organizations to register differently—as companies,” Sifuna, who serves as ODM Secretary General, said.

“That way, for example, someone could say Nairobi City Thunder is owned by shareholders. You could buy shares, bring in sponsors, attract equity, and grow the sporting organization. Unfortunately, that amendment was shot down in the National Assembly.”

Mandatory County Funding for Sports Associations

If passed, this reform could open up avenues for clubs like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards—two of Kenya’s biggest football brands—to move away from over-reliance on gate collections and donations, and instead operate as self-sustaining businesses capable of generating employment and wealth.

Sifuna’s second amendment would require county governments to allocate at least 1% of their budgets to registered sports associations.

“That way, when these associations need money for a tournament, a venue, to pay coaches, to travel, or even just to eat, they don’t have to come to us with a begging bowl every single time,” he said.

“If you look at Nairobi County’s budget today, not a single shilling is allocated to support these associations.”

This allocation, Sifuna argues, would provide a stable financial foundation for grassroots sports, reducing dependence on inconsistent sponsorships and handouts.

The Political Hurdle

Despite winning approval from the Senate, Sifuna admitted the reforms face an uphill battle in the National Assembly, which he accused of sabotaging Senate-driven initiatives.

“Unfortunately, even after convincing my colleagues in the Senate and passing the bill, it has to go to the National Assembly. That’s where the problem begins. They act like hostage takers—holding the country hostage until they get what they want.

“ I expect my bill to die there, not on merit, but simply because it came from the Senate.”

Why It Matters

If implemented, the amendments could change the financial future of Kenyan clubs and sports associations, allowing them to professionalize, attract investments, and retain talent.

 For fans of Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and other community clubs, this could mean a shift from survival-mode management to sustainable growth.