Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke has called on the youth to nurture their talents in sports, saying that sporting opportunities can transform lives and open pathways to a brighter future.
Speaking during the launch of Etaya Tournament 2026 at Masakwe Comprehensive School in Kitutu Chache North Constituency, PS Isaboke said that talented young people should take advantage of sporting platforms to build their professional careers and other income-generating activities, to sustain their livelihoods.
“Our young people must harness and tap into the opportunities in sports because talent can create livelihoods, open doors and change the trajectory of families and communities,” he said.
The PS noted that grassroots-level sporting facilities and competitions such as the Etaya Tournament, provide opportunities for competition and talent identification, and create pathways for young people to be scouted and nurtured.
He added that the government is heavily investing in sports infrastructure to ensure the youth, including those at the grassroots, can discover, develop and monetize their talents.
Isaboke pointed out that the ongoing Sh1 billion upgrade of Gusii Stadium is evidence of the government’s commitment to invest in sports infrastructure in the region.
“Nyamira County is also receiving a Sh900 million stadium as part of a broader push that has seen nearly every county in Kenya complete or begin working on a stadium. This is a deliberate strategy by the government to decentralize sporting opportunities beyond Nairobi and other major cities,” said the PS.
He also cited that the promotion of Shabana FC back to the top league after 17 years was proof that grassroots talent can rise to the highest levels when given the right platform.
Speaking as the Goodwill Ambassador of the Kisii-based side, he added that Shabana will benefit directly from the completion of Gusii Stadium as well as the new team bus that was donated recently by the President, further strengthening its standing as a top-tier team built from grassroots beginnings.
On the digital economy, the PS encouraged the young people to tap into content creation, sports media and marketing tied to such facilities and events to increase their earnings.
He noted more than 8,000 young people across Kisii, Nyamira and Migori — including youth living with disabilities, had already received direct grants and skills support under NYOTA to help build sustainable livelihoods.
He also cited progress under the Digital Superhighway programme, including the rollout of digital hubs across Kisii County and a planned Digital Centre of Excellence in Gucha South.
The PS further called for concerted efforts to address insecurity, urging parents, schools and communities to play their part in protecting children and keeping them focused on education.
“As we nurture talent, we must also recognise that education remains one of the key foundations for a brighter future, and no child should be denied that opportunity. Therefore, I call upon parents and schools to ensure that our children remain in school,” he said.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati said the tournament will bring together men and women from different villages to compete in football, athletics, music and tug-of-war, with competitions progressing from the grassroots to county finals in December.
The initiative aims to identify and nurture talent, empower communities, strengthen cohesion, and encourage young people to make constructive use of their time and abilities.
Secretary of Administration in the State Department for Sports, Evans Achoki, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnering with the Kisii county government in supporting the tournament.
“The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports will fully partner with the County Government in supporting the Etaya Tournament 2026. We call upon our people, especially young people, to participate and utilize their talents. We have seen talent create futures and opportunities for many people globally,” he said.
Solicitor General Shadrack Mose also addressed the gathering, calling for unity behind the Governor and the President as they work together to advance development in the region.
He lauded the growing infrastructure across Gusii, noting that the ongoing projects reflect a shared commitment between the national and county governments to improve the lives of residents.
Also present were Deputy Governor Elijah Obebo, the area Member of Parliament Japheth Nyakundi and his Nyaribari Chache counterpart Zaheer Jhanda, and other distinguished guests.
By Mercy Osongo
