Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Karanja Kibicho has launched a revolving soccer tournament as part of a youth empowerment programme for talent identification.
Speaking at Gathuthini Primary School during the inaugural tournament the PS said the programme is set to empower more youths to engage in sporting activities as an alternative career path.
“As a leader in this community, I am committed to the empowerment of the youth in various sectors.”
“My support for sporting activities will ensure the provision of necessary support to young sportsmen/women, to help them embrace and dedicate themselves to sports, as an alternative career path,” Kibicho noted.
He said that the tournament will be held annually and more teams will be incorporated to increase the number from the current and include other sporting events.
“The tournament will be revolving throughout the year, climaxing in finals.”
“The Programme will also include athletics Volleyball, Netball, and Basketball,” he added.
In attendance was a youth leader, National Cohesion and Integration Commission Vice-Chair Person Wambui Nyutu, who challenged the youth to take the sporting activities seriously as it pays like other careers.
“Sports pays even more than what others get in their careers. Don’t waste this opportunity offered by PS,” she added.
Mwea Member of Parliament Wachira Kabinga said he will support the noble course by the PS and ensured that he prepared the teams from his constituency to make the tournament highly competitive.
“This event was organized by PS as patron and I fully support the event and we look forward to partnering as Kirinyaga leaders. My team was number four but I will prepare them well next time,” Kabinga said.
Also present was Kirinyaga Central MP Munene Wambugu and NGAO Officer from Kirinyaga County.
During the inaugural round, Ngaru FC from Kirinyaga Central emerged as the winner walking away with Sh. 500, 000, Wazito FC from Gichugu were runners up and got Sh. 250, 000 and, Gathumbu FC from Ndia and Intercity FC from Mwea were no. 3 and 4 respectively.
The third-placed Gathumbu got Sh. 100, 000 while all other participating teams got uniforms and balls.
By Mutai Kipngetich
