The Football Kenya Federation (FKF), in partnership with the national and county government of Migori, has distributed 72 footballs to 72 primary schools across Migori County to support soccer development in the area.
The move also aims to nurture young talent and promote athleticism in the region.
The event held at the Migori County Stadium, brought together key stakeholders in the sports sector across the county.
“FKF is committed to strengthening grassroots football and other ball games in primary and junior secondary schools and would always involve in donating sports kits to the youth,” said FKF chairperson Mr Benard Odongo when he briefed the media shortly after handing over to the balls to the beneficiaries
He explained that the initiative is part of a broader plan to devolve football leadership and expand access to sporting resources in the county.
The official promised to send more sports kits to the grassroots levels, explaining that most talented youngsters failed to improve their sporting talents due to lack of the necessary kits.
“To nurture the young talents and strengthen grassroots soccer, we will ensure that the youths are well trained and empowered. Initially, balls were not brought to the grassroots level but now here we are. We want to see young talents being nurtured and strengthened,” said Odongo.
He lauded the collaboration between his office and the county government that resulted in the ball distribution, calling it a vital step toward realizing the county’s sporting potential.
While encouraging clubs to nurture more talents, the official revealed that the federation has a development fee kitty, from which money is fed to the mother club to assist identified players in nurturing and strengthening their talents.
This fee, he said is a token of appreciation seen as a ‘thank you credit’ to the mother team.
Mr. Samson Ondori, the newly appointed FKF youth representative at the Migori Branch, noted that the ball donation aligns with his campaign agenda of uplifting young talents and promoting grassroots games.
He revealed plans to launch a youth football league starting May 2025 and emphasized the need for referee and coach training.
However, he highlighted societal challenges, including lack of parental support and over-reliance on one-off tournaments instead of structured leagues.
He pledged to work closely with local leaders to enhance sporting opportunities.
Mr Titus Mwuo who is the chairperson Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KEPSSA) in Migori County, emphasized the significance of the ball donations, highlighting Migori’s prowess in regional games across various sports, including basketball and handball, where local teams have achieved championship status.
“I am pleased with the FKF and it will go a long way in changing the sporting sector in this region. My only request is that the county government should continue with its efforts to alleviate financial challenges faced by the ECDE schools, particularly in feeding and providing for learners,” he said.
Migori County Director of Youth Sports Affairs Mr Vitalis Aoro affirmed his office’s commitment to fully supporting the sporting sector, assuring that the administration under Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko would do everything possible to assist schools in improving sports infrastructures.
Aoro revealed that President Dr William Ruto has allocated 7 million shillings for the construction of Migori Stadium, adding that as a county they have also majored in infrastructural development of sports fields across the county in order to offer the best sporting stadias in the region.
“The project of developing grassroots playing fields in our region is still going on. Currently we have a number of areas under development including balling fields across the county in Rongo, Awendo, Sori, Ntimaru and Kehancha.
More referees would also be trained to professional levels and also get motivated financially.” Said the director.
Other notable football officials present during the event included Mr Tobius Ouma Oyugi who is the Nyanza region KEPSSA chairperson, Mr Samuel Owigo, the chairperson of referees in Migori; and Jeffar Hassan, chair FKF Suna East Branch.
By Fenny Ogalo and Addah Awuor
