Sports CS Salim Mvurya tells senators that mental health support, athlete welfare programmes and better data collection are among measures being developed.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has outlined government plans to support young creatives and athletes facing unstable incomes, mental health pressures and uncertainty about their careers.
Appearing before the Senate Plenary in Kilifi, Mvurya said the challenges extend beyond earnings, with creatives exposed to intense public scrutiny while athletes contend with injuries, demanding competition and short careers.
He told senators that proposed responses include psychosocial support, measures to reduce economic risks, improved athlete welfare and stronger systems for documenting sporting achievements.
Mental health support for creatives
Responding to Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo on suicide, depression and other mental health concerns among young creatives, Mvurya said their well-being remains a government priority.
He identified cyberbullying, loss of privacy, repeated rejection and pressure to stay relevant in a competitive industry as factors that can compound financial insecurity. These pressures, he said, can contribute to stress, anxiety, depression and substance abuse.
However, Mvurya acknowledged that Kenya does not have a disaggregated national registry recording suicide cases or specific mental health conditions by profession or sector.
He said available national statistics show approximately 400 to 500 reported suicide deaths annually across the population, but occupational details are not routinely captured. The figures therefore do not establish the number of cases among creatives.
The government is working towards a unified National Suicide Registry under the Ministry of Health, alongside an Inter-Agency Data Framework and a Creative Sector Wellness Policy, he said.
Expanded helplines and peer-support mechanisms are also being advanced. The proposed approach combines direct psychosocial assistance with interventions aimed at reducing economic risks for creatives dealing with financial distress, addiction and mental health challenges.
Athlete database and retirement welfare
Answering Senator Hamida Kibwana, Mvurya said the ministry is developing a national database of Kenyan athletes who have secured medals at regional, continental and international competitions.
The database is intended to support talent tracking, policy planning, recognition and more complete documentation of sporting achievements. Sports federations and other stakeholders are working with the ministry on data collection and verification.
For retired athletes, consultations are continuing on comprehensive welfare programmes covering financial assistance, medical care, housing and social protection.
Mvurya said existing interventions include employment and career-transition opportunities, goodwill ambassador roles, official appointments and institutional placements. These involve collaboration with sports federations, Athletics Kenya, Football Kenya Federation, county governments and athletes’ welfare organisations.
Medal rewards and sporting recognition
The CS also outlined revised rewards for athletes who win medals at global competitions. Gold medallists receive Sh3 million, silver medallists Sh2 million and bronze medallists Sh1 million.
He said allowances for athletes and officials travelling abroad have also been enhanced.
On preserving Kenya’s sporting heritage, Mvurya cited the Kenya Heroes Act, 2014, which created the National Heroes Council. Its mandate includes identifying, vetting and recommending individuals, including sports personalities, for recognition as national heroes and heroines.
Framework for youth empowerment
Nyandarua Senator John Methu raised the broader issue of youth empowerment, prompting Mvurya to outline the policy and legal instruments guiding government programmes.
These include the Constitution, Kenya National Youth Development Policy 2019, Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium Term Plan and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Mvurya also cited the Youth Enterprise Development Fund framework, National Youth Council Act, East Africa Youth Policy and African Youth Charter as instruments supporting youth empowerment.
