Vihiga: The government has identified sports as a viable option for creating gainful employment for youths in the country. The Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Performance and Delivery Management in the Executive Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, has said the government is investing billions of shillings in improving sports infrastructure to enable talented youths across the country to hone their skills.
According to Kenya News Agency, Owalo, speaking at Vihiga Friends High School while donating 30 training kits to Vihiga United, announced the construction of Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County and Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma as part of the government’s initiative for the western region. The Deputy Chief of Staff also disclosed plans to build other stadiums in Busia and Vihiga counties.
During the event, Owalo promised to secure a bus and sponsor for Vihiga United before the end of the season. He was accompanied by former Vihiga governor Moses Akaranga and county women representative Beatrice Adagala.
Addressing the gathering, Owalo, who is also a former Cabinet Secretary, emphasized the potential of the sports industry and urged young athletes to stay disciplined, train hard, and remain patient. He also encouraged corporate institutions to invest in non-institutional clubs as a way to promote sports, stating that such investments would provide a ready market for goods and services through their respective fan bases.
Meanwhile, through the Eliud Owalo Foundation, Owalo has donated training kits to Kakamega Home Boys, Nzoia Sugar FC, and other grassroots teams, further supporting grassroots sports development.