The government through the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage has reiterated its commitment to support sports and talent development in the country.
Speaking during Thursday's joint meeting between officials from Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS), Kenya Youth Inter-County Sports Association (KYISA) and county governments' sports representatives at Kasarani Stadium, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, praised sports agencies for their role in developing talent.
"I would like to assure you that His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta takes keen interest in sports and talent development, and as the responsible Ministry, we are focussed on creating an ideal environment that will ensure the realisation of this agenda," said Amina.
“In addition to KAS and KYISA, I would like to appreciate the efforts made by Alive and Kicking, UNICEF and GIZ in growing talents and sports in Kenya. I assure you of my support to move this programme forward."
The meeting which approved the adoption of the KAS-KYISA partnership in talent scouting and development with Busia County given the hosting rights for this year’s KYISA games was graced by Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri.
They also agreed to the creation of regional satellite academies, and the extension of academy training clinics to 60 days - stretched through the April, August and December school holidays.
To get the latest soccer news, text 'SPORTS' to 22840.
“Africa has the most talent in the world and it is incumbent on the responsible agencies to open their eyes and look beyond established institutions, by focusing on the grassroots – at the household level,”said Ujiri.
Others who attended the meeting included Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia, Sports Kenya Director General Pius Metto and KAS CEO Doreen Odhiambo.
For More of This and Other Sports Stories Subscribe to the Standard Epaper
