Nakuru County will host this year’s edition of the Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association Games (KYISA).
Over 3,000 youth aged between 18 and 25 years will compete in more than 10 disciplines in the 8th edition of the games that will run from April 17th to 24th.
While noting that the games were not held last year following the outbreak and spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, County Chief Officer for Sports, Dr William Migwi confirmed that he had received the letter of authority to host the games from the County Assemblies Sports Association (Casa) National organizing committee.
Kwale County Government hosted the seventh and second editions of Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association Games while Busia hosted sixth and Nandi the fifth edition. The fourth series of the games were held in Makueni, the third in Siaya and the inaugural in Laikipia.
While speaking to members of the press in his office after a planning meeting between the County Directorate of Sports and the National KYISA Executive Committee Dr Migwi said all the 47 counties have confirmed participation in the event that will feature athletics, football, netball and volleyball.
Other disciplines that will be staged include badminton and table tennis among others. The event is also anticipated to turnaround the struggling local hospitality and tourism sectors due to a large number of visitors expected.
“The one-week event will provide a platform where national teams scout for talents to participate in the national teams. It comes at a time the County administration is investing heavily in sports,” stated Dr Migwi.
Dr Migwi said the teams to represent Nakuru County will be selected competitively in the Ward level across the region. He stated that the devolved unit has prioritized harnessing and developing skills among the youth.
“Developing sports sector is a major focus of the County administration, while keeping in mind that sports can provide youth with avenues to self-reliance.
Sports are nowadays a life changer if taken seriously. If you pursue sports as a career it will be a source of income and that is why we have heavily invested in this sector,” said the chief officer.
Dr Migwi said the county administration was increasingly tapping sports talent among the youth and will use KYISA games to advance that.
“As a county we will use these games to tap talent and we will support our youth to establish themselves,” noted Dr Migwi.
The Chief Officer also pointed out that the games will foster cohesion and patriotism in the country. “We need to use sports to build bridges of friendship and prosperity,” he added.
by Anne Mwale
