The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has inked a deal with the Machakos County Government to put up a national football technical centre in the area.
FKF President Nick Mwendwa said the project, funded by FIFA at a cost of 4.5 million dollars, aims to bolster the country’s sporting infrastructure and foster the growth of budding talents.
He said the centre, one of its kind in the country, will have three pitches, including two artificial turf fields and a natural grass field.
“The centre will also feature office spaces designated for the training of referees, coaches and players. In addition, accommodation and medical facilities will be provided to ensure the well-being of athletes utilising the complex,” added Mwendwa.
The FKF president further disclosed that the centre is a mandatory requirement for all the 211 member associations of FIFA.
He noted that Machakos was chosen as the ideal location for the centre due to its proximity to Nairobi and superb infrastructure.
“The willingness of the county government to donate land for the centre was also a very key factor,” noted Mwendwa.
He said the centre will host the national youth teams and school championships to develop football talent in the country.
“The centre will help develop talent for the under-13s and 16s so that they can have a bright future in football,” added the FKF president.
Speaking outside the governor’s office on Monday after signing the memorandum of understanding, Mwendwa said the county government had granted the federation a 33-year lease for a 20-acre piece of land on which the centre will be established.
He noted that the centre, whose construction is expected to kick off in six months, will take two years.
“Now that we have the lease agreement, we hope to finish the centre in record time because the funding is available,” said Mwendwa.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti hailed FKF for selecting Machakos to host the centre saying besides developing talent for the local youth, the centre will offer employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of the people.
She pledged to pursue further partnerships to nurture and harness the potential of young talents within the county.
“We want to have our own renowned football stars. The centre will also elevate the status of football in Machakos County and the country at large,” added the governor.
Also present was Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko, who said the centre will give young people an opportunity to nurture their talents and prevent them from engaging in unlawful activities.
By Roselyne Kavoo and William Musyoki
