Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris on Tuesday came to the rescue of city teams that had failed to pay Football Kenya Federation (FKF) subscription fees.
Passaris launched a partnership between her office through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and the FKF to support Nairobi County football teams that are struggling to subscribe to their FKF membership.
"I have consulted the President and we have agreed that I will sponsor fifty women to be trained as Coaches….."
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) February 26, 2019
Nairobi Woman Rep @EstherPassaris earlier today, issued KES 4 Million worth of sponsorship to clubs participating in the FKF Nairobi Leagues
Find out what she said pic.twitter.com/lmvKr2gCby
The Nairobi legislator launched the collaboration in Kasarani where she presided over a colourful event and presented a cheque of Sh16 million to FKF president Nick Mwendwa.
The MP also gave out sports kits worth Sh3 million. Speaking to players drawn from several constituencies, she expressed her commitment to the empowerment of the youths by supporting sports talent.
Officially launched a partnership with @Football_Kenya with a KES 4M @NGAAF_KE sponsorship towards payment of participation fees for defaulting clubs in the Nairobi County Leagues and distribution of sports kits. #TwendeKazi @hon_wamuchomba @Nmwendwa pic.twitter.com/yCNcq8nlIy
— Hon. Esther M Passaris (@EstherPassaris) February 26, 2019
She also pledged to fund the training of 50 female referees. She made her intentions of offering more assistance beyond the financial year and promised to work with the Nairobi based football teams until the end of her term in 2022.
“It came to my attention that a number of clubs could not raise their participation fees, and were in arrears. Through this fund, we are able to help these clubs at the grassroots offset that cost,” said Passaris.
On his side, FKF president Nick Mwendwa welcomed the move and thanked the lawmaker for committing to the youth in the city. He, however, urged the beneficiaries to keep working hard and avoid squandering the opportunity given to them by the Government.
“This sponsorship will go a long way in offsetting the club’s cost of participation. Now the boys can play football without any worries. We hope that more people from political leadership can come forward and support football at the grassroots,” the FKF boss said.
Nairobi Woman Representative Hon @EstherPassaris has on Tuesday February 26, 2019, issued KES 4 Million worth of sponsorship to clubs participating in FKF Nairobi County Branch Leagues through funding from the National Government Affirmative Action fund. https://t.co/M6wCBA7xPC pic.twitter.com/HAODAEFpPr
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) February 26, 2019
More than 100 teams have been locked out of competitive football. This saw team representatives take the shots to air their grievances.