Murang’a Leaders Advocate for Increased Government Funding for Grassroots Sports

MURANG’A – Local leaders in Murang’a County are calling on the government to allocate more resources to support sports activities at the grassroots level. This appeal was made during the Edwin Mugo Cup finals for boys’ and girls’ soccer teams held at Rurii grounds in Mathioya.

According to Kenya News Agency, the removal of the sports budget from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has left many local sports programs without necessary financial support. Mugo, alongside Murang’a senator Joe Nyutu and county woman representative Betty Maina, emphasized the crucial role that NG-CDF previously played in promoting sports at the ward level. Mugo noted that his constituency had allocated one million shillings to sponsor 64 teams this financial year.

Mugo criticized the decision to redirect funds previously earmarked for sports towards digital hubs in constituencies, stating the importance of sports in combating alcoholism and drug abuse among youth. He suggested that sports funding should be included in the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), indicating that the office of the woman representative could help sponsor sports across counties.

Furthermore, Nyutu highlighted the need for improved sports infrastructure within Murang’a County to support talented youths. He called for the rehabilitation of neglected stadiums and proposed that the Ministry of Sports consider building a national stadium in Murang’a to enable the county to host national sports tournaments.

Maina proposed a temporary funding model for digital hubs, suggesting that they could be financed for two years, after which funds could be redirected back to sports. This, she argued, would ensure grassroots teams have access to necessary sports kits and other essentials.

The finals of the Edwin Mugo Cup saw Kairo FC triumph over Nyagiti FC with a score of 3-0. In the women’s category, Kiamutiri team defeated Thuita 2-0.