Owalo pledges to create medical pension scheme for retired athletes if elected president

Owalo stated that his administration would prioritise the welfare of sportsmen and women, noting that many former athletes continue to suffer in poverty despite their contributions to the country.

"I will create an enabling policy framework and an enabling environment for our sportsmen and women. Most importantly, if I am elected President, one of the first things I'll do for sports is to make sure we have a medical pension scheme for retired sportsmen," he said.

"It pains me when I see them bathing in a quagmire of poverty upon retirement yet these are the fellows that brought us joy in their heyday."

The Gor Mahia football club patron said the proposed reforms would ensure athletes are supported during and after their careers, addressing long-standing concerns over the lack of structured post-retirement benefits in the sector.

He noted that Kenya has immense untapped potential in sports and emphasised the need for collaboration among stakeholders to elevate the country’s standing on the global stage.

The former State House Deputy Chief of Staff added that with the right policies and sustained investment, Kenya can further cement its reputation as a sporting powerhouse while also improving the livelihoods of athletes.

Owalo, who spoke during the launch of Sporty FM, a 24-hour radio sports channel, was flanked by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture Dan Wanyama. 

Others in attendance were AFC Leopards chairman Boniface Ambani, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice President McDonald Mariga, former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Victor Wanyama and Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier.