Safaricom Company has partnered with Nakuru County Government, to foster sports and talent among youths, particularly in informal settlement areas.
Nakuru County Chief Officer for Youth, Sports, Talent, and Resource Mobilization, Alex Maina, alongside a team from Safaricom PLC, today, engaged Mixed Martial Arts Groups at Kivumbini Social Hall.
The groups’ Spokesperson, Marvin Owino, shed light on the struggles faced by the slum dwellers and the efforts they have put to earn a living.
He made an appeal to Governor, Susan Kihika’s Administration to support them in establishing SMEs and other projects, that will enable them to improve their livelihoods.
Safaricom representatives, Mr. Felix Mburu and Phyllis Mungai, reiterated the Company’s commitment to initiating projects that will benefit the young people in the slum areas.
The Chief Officer encouraged the youth to seize every opportunity, within their reach for economic well-being and a better life.
He assured them of Administrative support and collaboration with partners, to improve the status of youth across the County.
Maina observed that the County has a mammoth population of young people, the majority of whom are not well utilized, despite having various sports capabilities, such as athletics, football and basketball.
He appealed to other companies to come forward and render support.
Owino made a personal petition on behalf of the youth to be assisted with equipment to promote their talents in sports and drama, and make the County an enviable centre of sports in the country.
He gave an example of boxing where the informal settlements have nurtured champions for the country.
He observed that a number of teenage girls already have children and one of the best ways to prevent early pregnancies, was through investments in sports to keep school leavers busy instead of idling in the estates.
By Veronica Bosibori
