The national government has earmarked Sh1.7 billion to establish 37 sports academies cross the country in a bid to nurture talent and propel sports to even greater heights.
Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya said the academies will identify and nurture talent from the grassroots level to meet international sporting standards.
Mvurya said the sporting industry remains an important sector in the country and over the years has contributed significantly to economic growth.
Speaking in Kwale County, the CS said the academies will be established to scout, identify and develop talents as well as raise fitness consciousness and mass participation in sports and recreational activities by the citizenry.
Mvurya affirmed that he is keen to mobilize the youth to embrace their sporting talents, nurture them through sports academies, and provide platforms for talent scouting, ultimately transforming these skills into income-generating opportunities.
The CS who was accompanied by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, and County Commissioner Stephen Orinde said his ministry is placing priority on youth development through sports.
He officiated the groundbreaking ceremonies of Sh55 million Taru Sports Academy at Taru Secondary School and Sh54 million Matuga sports academy at Matuga Girls Secondary School both in the coastal county of Kwale.
He noted that the Taru project will nurture and promote talent development in athletics, basketball, netball, football, and volleyball and other games, and will feature changing rooms to serve both local and regional athletes.
He said developing sports was part of President William Ruto’s agenda to engage the youths, hence setting up the academies.
“In addition to the Taru sports infrastructure, the government will also construct two additional classrooms for the secondary school and a borehole to benefit the surrounding community,” said Mvurya.
He said the Matuga sports academy will feature a modern athletics track, as well as fields for football, volleyball, basketball, and netball.
“In addition, the Matuga project will include the construction of two classrooms, a social hall, an elevated water tank, and a borehole, all aimed at benefiting both the school and the wider community,” he said.
The CS said his Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the well-being of the youth and promoting the growth of the sporting community across the country.
Mvurya directed the contractors to hire local residents to ensure the project not only promotes sports but also uplifts local livelihoods.
Achani welcomed the development of sporting academies noting that her administration will position Kwale as a hub for sports development.
Achani said the devolved government was dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages talent discovery and nurture future champions.
“The modern sports academies will accord the benefiting counties an opportunity to make a significant impact on the country’s sporting scene,” she said.
By Hussein Abdullahi
