The Kenyan government has reiterated its dedication to reviving stalled stadium projects and strengthening the country’s sports infrastructure to enhance grassroots talent development and international competitiveness.
Speaking at Talanta Plaza during the official handover of the Sports docket, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, emphasized the critical role of infrastructure in nurturing young athletes.
“As a government, we are committed to resolving all challenges related to sports infrastructure across the country. We will engage stakeholders nationwide to fast-track these projects and create opportunities for grassroots talent development,” said CS Mvurya.
Investing in youth talent through sports academies
CS Mvurya also highlighted the ongoing construction of 37 sports academies under the Kenya Academy of Sports. These institutions aim to identify, nurture, and develop young athletes across various disciplines.
“Talent must be harnessed at an early stage. By enrolling youth in these academies, we can ensure they reach their full potential and transition into professional sports successfully,” he noted.
Crackdown on non-compliant sports federations
In a firm stance on sports governance, CS Mvurya warned federations that have yet to comply with legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding government funding.
“All sports federations must operate with transparency, accountability, and adherence to the law. We will not tolerate opaque operations that jeopardize the future of our young athletes,” he asserted.
Acknowledging Outgoing PS Eng. Peter Tum’s Contribution
The event also served as a farewell for outgoing Principal Secretary (PS) Eng. Peter Tum, who was commended for his contributions to Kenya’s sports sector.
“Eng. Tum has positioned Kenya on the path to becoming a regional and international sporting powerhouse. His contribution has been invaluable,” said CS Mvurya, as Tum prepares for his new diplomatic role.
In his farewell address, Eng. Tum expressed gratitude for the progress made in advancing Kenya’s sports landscape under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) Plan.
“Over the past two years, we have achieved remarkable milestones, including hosting successful local and international events that have cemented Kenya’s status as a world-class sporting nation,” he said.
PS Elijah Mwangi’s Vision for Sports Growth
Welcoming incoming Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, CS Mvurya expressed confidence in his leadership, urging him to sustain the transformative agenda and drive continued growth.
“The President has laid out a clear vision for the sports sector, and we will not let him down. Sports is a powerful economic enabler, and we will ensure our youth can monetize their talents effectively,” stated PS Mwangi in his inaugural remarks.
He further emphasized the need to reflect on past successes, address existing gaps, and strategize for future advancements in the sports sector.
