CS Namwamba Urges Counties to Properly Equip Teams for Talanta Hela Tournament

Nairobi – Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has called on County governments to ensure their teams are adequately kitted for the Talanta Hela, a national tournament. During the closing ceremony of the second round of the Talanta Hela tournaments at Moi Complex Primary School, Namwamba expressed concern over teams participating without proper gear.

According to Kenya News Agency, while all 47 County bosses had submitted three sets of uniforms for approval, some teams still participated in the second round of the tourney without proper kits. “I am challenging counties, live up to your commitment as we go to the finals. The 16 finalists, brand your teams in the colors that you brought to us and make sure that your teams shine,” Namwamba stated.

The CS also addressed the issue of teams arriving for the tournament without proper kits, which he described as ‘shameful’. He emphasized the need for counties to honor their commitments and adequately prepare their teams for the finals.

The football finals, which were to determine the eight teams proceeding to the National Talanta Hela football tournament, were suspended due to heavy rainfall. At the time of suspension, a match between the Busia girls and Homa Bay teams was in progress. Namwamba announced that the Ministry would use the lessons learned from this year’s tournament to improve the planning and execution of next year’s games, avoiding scheduling conflicts with national examinations and considering weather conditions.

The eight teams proceeding to the finals, starting December 3, include boys’ teams from Kirinyaga, Nakuru, Homabay, and Uasin Gishu, and girls’ teams from Machakos, Homa Bay, Uasin Gishu, and Busia Counties.