Sports CS Ababu Namwamba Defends Talanta Hela App Delays

Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Ababu Namwamba has defended delays in the activation of the Talanta Hela app, saying that it is due to procurement delays.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Namwamba said that the app is ready, but it has not yet been released to the public because the screening room that will be used to identify and nurture talent is still under construction.

“The app is yet to go live due to a challenge that caused a delay in the completion of the screening room. The screening centre suffered procurement delays and we have been given up to September 4, 2023,” he said.

Namwamba also clarified that the Talanta Hela initiative, which was launched by President William Ruto on June 9, 2023, is a multi-faceted program that includes the app, a tournament, and a national talent camp. He said that the app is just one part of the initiative, and that the other components are already underway.

However, Uasin Gishu Woman Representative and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei criticized Namwamba for inviting the President to launch the app even though it did not exist. She said that she had confirmed that the app is not available in the App Store or Play Store.

Shollei also alleged that Namwamba has neglected sportsmen and women representing the country in international events. She said that rogue ministry officials have taken the space supposed to be reserved for athletes, and that the CS has not taken any action to address the problem.

“I have hosted them (athletes) at my house because the CS is not bothered. They have told me some of the horror stories what happens to them; they fly economy while ministry officials fly business class, and sometimes they have layovers of up to 14 hours,” she said.

Namwamba has denied these allegations, saying that he is committed to supporting Kenyan athletes. He said that the ministry is working to improve the conditions for athletes, and that he will investigate the allegations of rogue officials.

The Talanta Hela initiative is a government program aimed at promoting sports talent among the youth. The app is designed to allow coaches and scouts to identify and nurture talent across the country. The tournament and national talent camp are also designed to provide opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills.

The delays in the activation of the Talanta Hela app have been met with criticism from some quarters. However, Namwamba has said that the app is still in development, and that it will be released to the public as soon as possible.