At least 14 youths have earned scholarships to various universities and colleges in the United States of America through sports.
The 14, comprising of 11 females and three men, were picked from more than 300 youths who turned up for a town hall athletics time trial at Kipchoge Stadium in Eldoret yesterday.
The trials offered an opportunity for youth between the ages of 17 to 23 years to attain qualifying times in track and field disciplines.
A group of Kenyans who are working in the US are organizing the trials on behalf of the institutions. Those qualified will also have to satisfy the requirements of enrolment to the colleges, by having attained certain grades in high school.
Uasin Gishu County Executive for Youth Affairs and Sports Eng. Lucy Ng’endo who graced the event said the County Government was keen on monetizing sports through exporting sports’ talent.
Eng Ng’endo said the Uasin Gishu Youth Service Policy set for presentation in Cabinet soon has an agenda of, among others, exporting sports talents and skills.
The executive said Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii is focused and keen on youth empowerment, which is among the 10 pillars in his development agendas.
At least 70 Kenyan athletes are already in the US, thanks to the programme. According to the organizers, eight Kenyan athletes supported through this programme qualified at a recent USA Track and Field trials.
The athletes who participated in the Wednesday trials came from Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, and Kericho counties.
By Kiptanui Cherono
