The Elgeyo Marakwet County Government has flagged off the construction of a Sh55 million sports academy at St. Patrick’s Boys High School which is set to benefit youth across the region.
The project, expected to be completed in one and a half years, is seen as a major step in positioning Elgeyo Marakwet as a hub for sports development in the county.
Speaking during the contractor handover ceremony, Governor Wisley Rotich emphasised the importance of sports in nurturing talent and boosting the county’s sporting image. He noted that similar academies would be established in various constituencies, including Kapchebau in Marakwet East and Chepkorio in Keiyo South.
“We want to complete these academies as soon as possible so that athletes from different counties can come and train here,” said Rotich.
He also highlighted the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) as a framework that recognises and supports talent development and urged residents to take full advantage of the project, saying it would open new opportunities for young people in sporting fields.
Kenya Academy of Sports CEO, Doreen Odhiambo, reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Education and the County Government to equip teachers with the necessary skills to identify and train young talents.
“We will build the capacity of teachers and identify talents even before the construction of these facilities,” said Odhiambo, adding that the facility would help in discovering and nurturing youth talents in the region.
“By 2027, all constituencies will have a sports academy, each costing Sh55 million,” she stated.
The academy will feature various sports facilities, including football and volleyball fields, as well as a social hall for music festivals and other cultural activities.
Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai assured residents that the project would provide job opportunities for residents. “According to the President’s directive, every project should benefit the local community by creating employment opportunities,” said Kipsanai.
He further emphasised that construction materials, including cement and metal, would be sourced locally to boost the county’s economy.
By Joan Jelimo
