A fresh debate over the cost of bringing two European teams to Kenya has drawn a response from Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, who has dismissed claims that the government is spending millions of shillings to facilitate their visit.

Mwangi pushed back against reports suggesting that taxpayers' money was being used to meet the expenses associated with bringing the two teams from Europe to the country.

In his response, the Sports PS pointed to the availability of sponsors, using the Swahili expression, “Tuko na sponsors Bwana!” to emphasise that sponsorship arrangements are involved in the initiative.

His remarks come amid public interest in the financial arrangements behind the high-profile football event, particularly questions about whether the government is directly financing the teams' visit.

The involvement of European clubs in Kenyan football events has attracted attention because of the opportunity to expose local supporters to international football and potentially boost the country's sporting profile.

However, the debate over funding has placed the organisers under scrutiny, with questions emerging about the respective responsibilities of sponsors and the government.

Mwangi's response appears intended to challenge the impression that the government is independently shouldering the entire cost of bringing the teams to Kenya.

Further details about the sponsors, the amount of money involved and the specific financial commitments made by the government were not included in the available statement.

The explanation therefore leaves room for further clarification about how the visit is being financed.

Do you think sponsorship is the best way to fund major international sporting events in Kenya?

Source