Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has called for increased investment in grassroots sports, saying nurturing young talent is essential in combating drug and substance abuse among youth while creating opportunities for economic empowerment.
Speaking on Saturday during the launch of the Governor Chelilim Men’s Football Tournament at Naiberi Primary School grounds in Ainabkoi Sub-County, Bii said sporting activities provide young people with a positive platform to develop their abilities and remain focused on productive ventures.
The governor noted that many young people risk falling into alcohol, marijuana and other forms of drug abuse when they lack meaningful activities to engage in.
“Sports play a very important role in keeping our young people away from drugs and substance abuse. Without sports, many would have fallen into alcohol, marijuana and other narcotic drugs. We must protect our bodies and our minds because there is no spare body, and we must not allow our youth to destroy their future,” Bii said.
He said Uasin Gishu, popularly known as the “County of Champions”, has a responsibility to strengthen sports development by investing in structures that identify and support emerging talent.
Bii directed County Executive Committee Member for Sports Robert Kemei to lead efforts in training coaches and team managers across the county, saying qualified technical personnel are critical in developing competitive players.
“We need trained coaches for every team, and we also need to train team managers. Once they are trained, we will register them and support them with a modest allowance so they can continue nurturing talent across the county,” he said.
The governor said his administration would continue implementing programmes aimed at improving residents’ livelihoods despite political criticism.
He cited the employment of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers on permanent and pensionable terms and support for coffee farmers as some of the initiatives undertaken to improve household incomes.
“Our focus is on delivering services to the people. We have employed ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, we are supporting our farmers to grow coffee and improve their incomes, and we will continue implementing programmes that transform the lives of our people,” Bii said.
The Governor Chelilim Men’s Football Tournament has attracted more than 600 teams from across Uasin Gishu County and is expected to provide a competitive platform for young players to showcase their skills.
The tournament will be played at ward, sub-county and county levels, with participating teams competing for a total prize purse of Sh14.1 million.
Ward champions will receive Sh100,000, sub-county winners will take home Sh500,000, while the overall county champions will receive Sh1 million. Other top-performing teams will also receive cash awards.
The launch featured an exhibition match between Huruma FC and Naiberi FC, with Huruma FC securing a 1-0 victory in a tightly contested encounter.
The match attracted an enthusiastic crowd that witnessed players display skill, determination and teamwork, setting the pace for the tournament’s competitive fixtures.
By Fredrick Maritim
