Deputy President William Ruto has revealed the government has set aside Sh500m to cushion sports federations and clubs following the withdrawal of sponsorships by betting firm SportPesa. “We have set side Sh500 million for the various national teams for their respective assignments to plug in the gaps that arose following the withdrawal of some sponsors,” said Ruto. SportPesa withdrew their sponsorships with various national teams and federations at the start of the year, citing high taxation by the government but Ruto re-affirmed that paying taxes is not negotiable. He said the government has also set aside another Sh500 million to reward athletes who shine at global events. “I know it’s something people have misunderstood but works on various stadia like Marsabit, Nyayo, Kasarani, Kamariny and even in my home area Eldoret are ongoing,” he added.

Source: The Star January 18, 2018 22:07 UTC