The government will support community football clubs across the country to nurture talent and support the youth to earn a living from the sport.
Information Communication and the Digital Economy (ICDE) Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo said the initiative targets to scout and support football talents for both boys and girls as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Afcon.
Sports, he said, was at the heart of the Kenya Kwanza administration adding that supporting community clubs will open opportunities for young talented players to hone their skills to play in professional leagues.
“Youth and women empowerment is at the center of the Kenya Kwanza administration and sports is very key in this quest,” he said.
The CS said reviving and supporting community clubs was the only way for the country to grow the sport whose ratings have dropped significantly over the years.
Speaking in Kisumu where he held a meeting with premier league side Muhoroni Youth FC, Owalo called for concerted efforts by the government and the private sector to support struggling community clubs to restore the sport’s lost glory.
The CS donated 40 tracksuits to the club and Sh. 500, 000 to support their operations.
The CS pledged to help the team which is the only one from the Nyanza region playing in the competitive league to find a sponsor.
Speaking during the same occasion, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda said the team’s spirited fight which earned it a spot in the Premier League was commendable.
Ojienda made a personal donation of Sh. 200,000 to help the club in its operations and pledged to give more support to see them through the tournament.
“We have the social responsibility to grow Muhoroni Youth FC because this is the only team from Kisumu and the Nyanza region that is playing in the Premier League,” he said.
By Chris Mahandara
