The Ministry of Sports has pledged to scout and nurture outstanding volleyball players from Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, for the national teams and international competitions, following the conclusion of an inter-county tournament, held as part of preparations for Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Roselyn Ouko, Secretary Administration in the State Department for Sports, who represented Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, and the Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi, said the Ministry would work with sports federations to identify the best players and give them opportunities to represent Kenya.
Speaking at the Koitaleel Samoei University College sports ground, during the tournament finals, Ouko said the competition had provided an important platform for talent identification while promoting fair play and unity among the participating counties.
“We are also scouting for talent as the Ministry of Sports. The best players will be identified and taken forward to represent our country in international competitions,” she said.
Ouko congratulated the teams for reaching the finals and commended referees and other officials for their contribution towards the successful organisation of the tournament.
She assured players and officials that the government would continue supporting sports development, adding that the country was working towards achieving world-class sporting standards.
Nandi County dominated the competition, winning both the men’s and women’s finals in thrilling encounters against their Uasin Gishu counterparts.
In the men’s final, Nandi defeated Uasin Gishu three- sets- to- one, to clinch the trophy and a Sh500,000 cash prize.
Uasin Gishu finished second, receiving a trophy and Sh300,000, while Elgeyo Marakwet took third place and was awarded a trophy and Sh200,000.
In the women’s category, Nandi Queens produced a commanding performance to beat Uasin Gishu three sets to nil, securing the trophy and Sh500,000 prize money.
Uasin Gishu received Sh300,000 and a trophy, while Elgeyo Marakwet took home Sh200,000 and a trophy.
Nandi County Government Chief Executive Committee Member for Sports, Youth Affairs and Arts, Rose Angira, described the tournament as a historic initiative that had brought the three counties together through sport.
Angira thanked President William Ruto, for providing an opportunity for the counties to interact, strengthen their friendship and demonstrate national unity through competition.
She said the tournament had helped build relationships among players and officials while providing a platform for sporting development across the region.
Nandi County Commissioner, Wilberforce Kilonzo, also thanked the three counties for their participation and contribution towards preparations for the Mashujaa Day finals.
Kilonzo commended the Kenya Academy of Sports for training local referees ahead of the national celebrations, noting that strengthening officiating skills was essential for the growth of volleyball and other sports in the county.
The inter-county tournament brought together men’s and women’s volleyball teams from Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet in a series of competitive matches aimed at promoting talent development, sportsmanship and regional cooperation.
The organisers expressed optimism that the competition would provide a foundation for identifying promising players who could progress to higher levels of competition and ultimately represent Kenya on the international stage.
by Geoffrey Satia
