The government has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking stalled stadium projects to enhance talent identification and development from grassroots to the international stage.
Speaking at Talanta Plaza during the official handover of the Sports docket, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Salim Mvurya emphasized the role of infrastructure in nurturing young talent.
“As a government, we are committed to resolving all challenges related to sports infrastructure. We will actively engage stakeholders nationwide to fast-track these projects and create opportunities for grassroots talent mobilization,” said CS Mvurya.
He highlighted the ongoing construction of 37 sports academies under the Kenya Academy of Sports, aimed at developing young athletes across various disciplines. “We must harness talent at an early stage… ensuring they transition into professional sports successfully,” he noted.
Mvurya also warned sports federations against non-compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks. “All sports federations must operate with transparency, accountability, and adherence to the law, especially regarding government funding. We will not allow opaque operations that risk the future of our young athletes,” he stated.
During the event, CS Mvurya commended outgoing Principal Secretary (PS) Eng. Peter Tum for his contribution to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) in sports. “Eng. Tum has positioned Kenya on the path to becoming a regional and international sporting powerhouse,” he remarked.
Incoming PS Elijah Mwangi pledged to build on past successes and drive further 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,” he said.
