Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and Arts Ababu Namwamba has inspected Kirubia stadium in Tharaka Nithi County ahead of KYSA games in April.
The 8th Kenya Youth Intercountry Sports Association (KYSA) will be held in Tharaka Nithi County from 23rd April.
Speaking while inspecting the stadium, the CS said that the government is working to upgrade a number of stadia across the country.
Namwamba revealed that they were inspecting the status of the stadium to figure out what is needed for completion before the games.
However, the CS noted that the government has stopped construction of any new stadium to pave the way for a new plan.
He added that they aimed at achieving international standards for all stadia outside Nairobi to boost sport training and preparations as well as promote devolution.
The CS disclosed that the Ministry would soon be launching a programme dubbed “Talanta Hela Intiative” that is aimed to ensure youth’s talent is monetized.
The Cabinet Secretary further said that the government would invest in facilities that support arts and sports at the grassroots.
“We will invest in youths at the grassroots to support sports and grow different kind of talents in the counties,” he said
The CS further expressed that the government is keen at making Kenya benefit from high altitude locations such as Tharaka Nithi through provision of training grounds for sports men and women preparing for international events.
On his part, Tharaka Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki said that the county was pleased to be hosting the KYSA games in April.
He revealed that they are well prepared and ready for the games, adding that one of their main initiatives was to invest in youths.
“We are pleased to host the KYSA games in April. Our local teams have been practicing and are ready for the matches,” he said.
The governor revealed that in collaboration with Sports Kenya, they would maintain the standards of Kirubia stadium once the national government hands over the project.
By Sharon Gitau
