The government has set aside Sh1.7 billion for construction of 37 pilot Constituency Sports Academies across the country.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya has said this move is aimed at nurturing and developing talents through the construction of modern sports facilities.
Consequently, Mvurya has promised to redouble the government’s efforts to catch up with other sporting countries by ensuring classic training grounds for the youth, complete with state-of-the-art facilities.
“In Kwale county we will build the sport academies in Matuga and Kinango constituencies. We have already authorized Sh110 million to build the pilot sports facilities in the area,” stated Mvurya, during a girls’ tournament finals organized by Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza in Golini.
Other constituencies where the sport facilities will be built include Mwala, Bomet East, Ugenya, Nandi Hills, Teso South, Keiyo North, Kiharu, Suba South, Mogotio, Turbo, Kasarani, Aldai, Marakwet West, Ikolomani, Budalangi, Ikolomani, Hamisi, Yatta, Kabuchai, and Nambale.
Matungulu, Webuye West, Mwingi West, Thika Town, Isiolo Town, Embakasi Central, Kitui East, Keiyo South, Moyale, Turkana North, Turbaj, Marakwet East, Kabete, Mandera, and Kandara constituencies are also in the pilot phase.
Additionally, as preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) slated for February 2025 gathers pace, the CS said they assured the Confederation of African Football President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, during his recent visit to Kenya of our readiness to co-host the championship as initially planned.
“The renovation of all the stadiums we had identified including the Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, Nyayo National stadium, Ulinzi sports complex, Police SACCO stadium and the Kasarani Sports Academy will be completed ahead of schedule,” assured Mvurya.
“There is no need to worry, we have ensured all the senior officers are not on leave to ensure the stadiums are completed and Kenya takes its rightful position in the continent of Africa,” he added.
On the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the CS said the country is readying not only to host, but to clinch the AFCON 2027 cup.
The CS further noted that the new leadership in the Federation of Kenya Football (FKF) will add impetus to ensure Kenya returns on the continental and global map.
He promised to meet with the leadership of Tong-IL-Moo-Doo, who failed to secure funds from the Ministry to host the 12th Edition of the Mombasa open Tong-IL-Moo-Doo International Martial Arts Championship 2024, hence risking a ban.
“I want to tell your leadership that we will meet in January to iron out the differences for the other sports to also be recognized in Africa and beyond,” he stated.
Mvurya said that the Kenya Kwanza administration wants youths to use sports and their talents to get employment and money.
He assured the youths that they will benefit from their talents as the government has a robust programme through the Talanta Hela initiative.
The initiative aims at monetizing talents in the country through identification, nurturing and development to enable the youths to earn.
Matuga Legislator Kassim Tandaza lauded the government for initiating the construction of sports facilities in constituencies.
In Matuga, he revealed that they have identified Matuga Girls Secondary School to nurture more girls’ talents.
“Talent pays more than white-collar jobs. If I was a Manchester City Player I don’t think I would be here in Kwale,” stated Tandaza.
By Sadik Hassan
