The government has reaffirmed its commitment to complete the construction of stalled stadia across the country saying this will ensure identification, development, and promotion of talent in the Country.
Speaking at Talanta Plaza during the official handover of the outgoing Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum to newly appointed Ps Elijah Mwangi, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, emphasized that infrastructure development is key to harnessing and nurturing budding sporting talent.
“As a government, we are committed to resolving all challenges related to sports infrastructure across the country. We will be actively engaging stakeholders nationwide to fast-track these projects and create opportunities for grassroots talent mobilization,” CS Mvurya stated.
He further highlighted the ongoing construction of 37 sports academies under the Kenya Academy of Sports, aimed at identifying, nurturing, and developing young athletes across various disciplines.
“We must harness talent at an early stage. By admitting youth into these academies early, we can nurture and develop them to their full potential, ensuring they transition into professional sports successfully,” he noted.
The Cs also issued a stern warning to sports federations that have yet to comply 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 reiterated.
The Cabinet Secretary also used the opportunity to commended outgoing Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum for his dedication and commitment to delivering the governments agenda.
“Eng. Tum has positioned Kenya on the path to becoming a regional and international sporting powerhouse. His contribution has been invaluable,” he remarked.
On his part Tum who was appointed as the new Ambassador to Democratic Repubic of Congo expressed gratitude to the ministry’s staff for their dedication to realizing the BETA vision.
“Over the past two years, we have made remarkable strides in advancing Kenya’s sports sector. Our achievements in hosting successful local and international events have cemented Kenya’s status as a worldclass sporting nation,” he noted.
Mvurya expressed confidence in the capabilities of the new PS Elijah Mwangi remarking: “I urge you to collaborate closely with the heads of departments to sustain the transformative agenda and continue driving growth in the sector,” he advised.
PS Mwangi, on his part called on ministry officials to reflect on past successes, address existing gaps, and strategize for future 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 stated.
