Veteran athletics coach Bernard Ouma has been appointed as the new Director of Sports at the Ministry of Sports.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsOuma was, until his latest appointment, an advisor to the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya.He takes over from Jacktone Indakwa, who retired in July. In his new role, Ouma will be in charge of Research, Training and Competitions.History as Kenya lands World Athletics Championships hosting rightsVeteran sports administrator Douglas Ratemo was also confirmed as Director of Sports and will be in charge of administration.A total of nine candidates attended interviews for the two positions whose occupants head the department of sports administrative wing.Among those who missed out were Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) Chief Executive Officer Doreen Odhiambo and former Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) Chief Executive Officer Sarah Shibutse.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962377##Odhiambo’s contract at KAS expires in January 2027, and she was hoping to return to the parent ministry from which she was picked to head the Kasarani-based academy.After missing out on the appointment, she is likely to go back to the ministry in a lesser position and rise through the ranks.Shibutse was suspended as CEO of ADAK in 2024, a matter she took to court but was dismissed.Pyramids coach gives candid assessment of Gor Mahia squad after humbling themThe new Director of Sports is the founder of Rongai Athletics Club, where he mentored top middle-distance runners like Elijah Manangoi and Timothy Cheruiyot. He has also worked with Athletics Kenya in leading various teams to international events.A number of senior Ministry of Sports officials are closing in on their retirement this year. Apart from Indakwa, former Deputy Sports Director Caroline Wamboi also retired one month ago.Just last week, Evans Achoki retired from his position as Secretary, Administration in the Ministry of Sports.##NAJAVA_MECA_9962359##Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, while bidding farewell to Achoki, praised his time in the department, which was marked by professionalism and discipline.“Mr Achoki’s retirement marks the conclusion of a long and extremely remarkable career in public service that spans over three decades dedicated to serving Kenya in critical leadership and administrative capacities, including assignments in national security, peacebuilding and the prevention of violent extremism.“His long career was defined by professionalism, discipline and a deep sense of duty. The experience and steady leadership he brought to the State Department for Sports have made a lasting contribution to the institution and the wider public service,” said Mwangi.Wafalme Stars land hosts, Ghana as African Championship gets underwayJosephine Ouko from the Ministry of Interior takes over the position.
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