Barnaba Korir Lands Key National Role in Sports Fund Board Appointment

 By Wasike Elvis

Athletics Kenya Youth Development Director Barnaba Korir has been appointed as a Board Member of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) for a three-year term, in a move expected to strengthen governance and development in Kenya’s sports and creative sectors.

The appointment was officially gazetted under Gazette Notice No. 8761, published in The Kenya Gazette, Vol. CXXVIII–No. 100 of June 12, 2026, following a nomination by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya.

Korir expressed gratitude for the appointment, describing it as both an honour and a significant responsibility in advancing sports and talent development across the country.

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, for appointing me as a Board Member of the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund for the next three years,” he said.

He noted that his long-standing experience in sports administration will guide his contribution to the board, particularly in strengthening opportunities for athletes, young people, and communities.

Korir has been a prominent figure in Kenyan and international athletics governance, serving in key roles within Athletics Kenya and as First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK). He also made history as the first African to serve as a World Athletics Technical Delegate for the Diamond League.

He said his focus will be on ensuring that sports, arts, and talent development programmes receive stronger institutional support and better coordination at the national level.

“This appointment is both a privilege and a responsibility,” Korir said. “I look forward to working with fellow board members and stakeholders to strengthen support for sports, arts, and talent development across Kenya.”

The Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund plays a key role in financing grassroots sports programmes, supporting creative industry initiatives, and promoting social development projects aimed at empowering youth across the country.

Korir’s appointment comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to professionalize sports administration and expand opportunities for young athletes through structured funding and talent development pathways.

Sports stakeholders have welcomed the appointment, noting that his experience in both local and international sports governance is expected to add value to the board’s mandate.