Kabati: In a bid to promote local talent and accelerate the youth's sporting journey, the government through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has delivered an earlier promise of Sh2 million to Kabati Youth FC, Githunguri Youth FC, and the Kabati FC Academy.
According to Kenya News Agency, Sports and Youth Affairs PS Elijah Mwangi, while speaking at Mukerunju Stadium in Kabati, noted that the government will continue supporting the youth in their sporting activities. Mwangi stated, "We are committed to nurturing talent and empowering it here in Murang'a and across the country." Kabati Youth, one of the teams, plays for the National Super League (NSL), while the others compete in county leagues. Despite financial challenges in the past, this funding is expected to help them nurture more young talent.
The PS also mentioned plans to upgrade Mukerenju Field into Kabati Sports Academy to provide a better environment for training and talent exhibition. "By the end of the week, rehabilitation works in this field will commence and we will continue supporting all your activities," he added.
Mwangi urged the youth to avoid negative influences such as drugs and substance abuse and instead focus on constructive activities like sports, which have global earning potential. He was accompanied by Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, and County Women Representative Betty Maina.
Both Wahome and Maina reiterated the government's commitment to fulfilling its manifesto, criticizing opposition leaders for divisive politics aimed at raising political tension ahead of the 2027 polls. Wahome emphasized the government's ongoing efforts to construct stadiums, affordable housing units, and markets, supporting the youth and local talent.
Wahome stated, "We have only one duty, to fulfill what we promised because come next year, everyone will be judged depending on the work they did or did not do." She stressed that tribal politics should not dominate, as it causes division, and urged leaders to be cautious in their public statements.
Maina encouraged the football teams that had received presidential support to continue nurturing more young talent and emphasized the government's investment in sports infrastructure and youth programs. She also criticized opposition leaders for engaging in premature campaigns and incitement, urging focus on delivering development projects.
Ben Mwangi, Chairperson of Kabati Youth FC, expressed gratitude to the President for fulfilling the promise made during his Murang'a tour in April, noting that the funding will significantly motivate players, strengthen the clubs, and nurture talent. "This is a community team that has managed to play in NSL and therefore this support is an investment in the community as well," he said.