Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has bowed to pressure and awarded the Kenya Lionesses rugby team with Ksh 2 million.
In a statement on May 16, 2025, the Cabinet Secretary stated that the reward was a result of the team’s victory in Los Angeles.
“We proudly celebrate the Kenya Lionesses Rugby 7s team for their stellar performance at the 2025 HSBC Challenger Series, where they showcased unwavering skill, discipline, and determination, ultimately emerging as Champions in Los Angeles. In recognition of this remarkable achievement, I have awarded the team Kshs. 2 million,” part of the statement read.
This followed an uproar from Kenyans, who questioned why they were not awarded.
Salim Mvurya commends Sportsmen
Additionally, Mvurya awarded the Kenya Handball Junior (U20) and U18 teams for their exceptional performance during the Zone V Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 held in Kampala, Uganda.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the young athletes for their performance on the continental stage.
“Equally commendable are the Kenya Handball Junior (U20) and (U18) teams, who made the nation proud during the Zone V Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 held in Kampala, Uganda. In appreciation of their hard work and dedication, I have rewarded the teams with Kshs. 1.2 million,” the CS said.
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Further, reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing sports in the country, emphasizing continued support for federations that prioritize talent development.
At the same time, he stated that the government remains committed to supporting sports federations that provide a conducive environment for athletes to develop their talents and will continue to uplift and celebrate the spirit of Kenyan sports.
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Kenya Lionesses Game
The Kenya Lionesses advanced to the Playoff Finals at the ongoing 2025 HSBC Sevens tournament in Los Angeles after securing a narrow 7-5 win over Colombia in their final pool match. The victory came after a challenging pool stage, during which the Lionesses had suffered consecutive losses in their earlier games
Kenya opened their match against Spain, losing 33-14 in their tournament opener. In their second match against Brazil, despite a strong effort, the team faced a second defeat, leaving their chances of making the playoffs uncertain.
However, in their final pool game against Colombia, the team scored the points that put the Lionesses ahead.
The team had complained that the government ignored them after the stellar performance.
“After our qualification in LA we have never got any state recognition. The CS has never said a word and we have not been celebrated despite raising the standards and representing Kenya to the highest level,” Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna shared this on May 13, 2025, saying it was a message from the rugby team.
“Athletes are usually invited to the state house or given tokens. Who will speak out for us? We would appreciate a recognition like other sportsmen especially athletes,” Kenya Lionesses Rugby team.
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