The Nyamira County Government will continue upgrading existing playgrounds and constructing new ones to nurture youth talent, especially in soccer.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing construction works at Manga Stadium, Governor Amos Nyaribo said sports are as important as education and emphasized the need for the county to continue investing in sporting infrastructure.
He noted that the county government has so far spent KSh 250,000 on the project and pledged that the facility will continue being improved gradually.
The Governor, who was accompanied by the County Executive Committee Members for Sports, Culture, and Social Services among other officials, said the growing youth population in the county requires more investment in sports facilities.
He assured residents that the county government plans to construct additional modern stadia at Sironga and Nyamaiya to cater for the increasing number of youths and sports enthusiasts.
Governor Nyaribo said investing in sports carries both economic and social benefits for the county.
Economically, he noted that sports create employment opportunities in construction, facility maintenance, coaching, refereeing, and sports administration.
He added that soccer in particular generates income for local businesses through transport, vending, hospitality, and other commercial activities whenever matches are held.
The Governor further stated that sports provide talented youth with opportunities to secure scholarships and professional careers, which in turn raise the county’s profile regionally and nationally.
He said modern facilities such as Manga Stadium can attract tournaments and visitors, boost tourism, and open up the county to potential investors.
On the social aspect, Governor Nyaribo said sports play a key role in youth engagement and community cohesion.
He observed that organized sporting activities help keep young people occupied, reducing idleness and lowering the risk of involvement in drugs, crime, and other social vices.
The Governor urged the youth to enroll in local Technical Training Institutes to acquire practical skills that would improve their chances of securing employment and other opportunities.
He also encouraged female youth to actively participate in sports and leadership opportunities alongside their male counterparts.
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Beyond recreation, he noted that regular participation in sports improves physical health, mental well-being, discipline, leadership skills, resilience, and time management.
Governor Nyaribo reiterated that investment in sports infrastructure is an investment in the future of Nyamira’s youth.
He said the county government aims to support grassroots talent development in order to produce healthy, disciplined, and economically empowered young people capable of competing at higher levels and contributing positively to society.
By Enock Okong’o
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