Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs Ababu Namwamba has defended delays by the ministry in the activation of the Talanta Hela app.
Speaking in parliament where he was summoned on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Namwamba stated that the app is yet to go online, both in the App Store and Play Store due to procurement delays.
He explained that contrary to what Uasin Gishu Woman Representative and National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Shollei claimed, the app exists only that it has not yet been activated.
“That app(Talanta Hela) is actually a digital system that would allow the scouting of talents across the country through virtual space. What was ignited by President William Ruto at State House on June 9, 2023, was the system and the system is ready. 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 stated.
Further, he elaborated that Ruto launched the Talanta Hela initiative that features among others the app, Talanta Hela tournament and National Talent Camp that have already been rolled out. He however noted the initiative had a long implementation programme.
Shollei castigated Ababu Namwamba for inviting the President to launch the Talanta Hela app although it did exist.
She said she had confirmed that the app, which was supposed to be launched across 47 counties to promote sports talent among the youth was not available.
“Seeing the management of sports at the moment is painful. I looked for the Talanta Hela app, (but) it doesn’t exist. They told us it was launched,” she said.
Further, she alleged Namwamba has neglected sportsmen and women representing the country in international events.
According to the woman rep, Rogue Ministry officials had taken the space supposed to be reserved for athletes while the CS remained unbothered.
“I have hosted them (athletes) at my house because the CS is not bothered. They have told me some of the horror stories of what happens to them; they fly economy while ministry officials fly business class, and sometimes they have layovers of up to 14 hours,” she added. BY K24 NEWS