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Kisii Governor Simba Arati has urged high school students to consider pursuing sports-related courses at university.
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He says the sector offers vast employment opportunities and remains less saturated compared to many traditional professions.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati has challenged high school students to consider pursuing sports-related courses at university, saying the sector offers vast employment opportunities and remains less saturated compared to many traditional professions.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing upgrade of Gusii Stadium, Arati said sports should no longer be viewed merely as a recreational activity but as a viable career pathway capable of empowering young people economically.
He encouraged students to enroll in programmes such as sports management, coaching, physiotherapy, sports science, and related disciplines, noting that graduates in these fields are increasingly finding opportunities both in Kenya and abroad.
“The sports industry has enormous potential to create jobs for our youth. Unlike some sectors that are already flooded, sports-related professions continue to offer promising career prospects locally and internationally,” said the governor.
Arati linked the county’s investment in sports infrastructure to its broader goal of nurturing talent and creating employment opportunities for young people. He said the ongoing modernization of Gusii Stadium is intended to transform Kisii into a regional sports hub capable of producing athletes and sports professionals who can compete on the global stage.
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The stadium is currently undergoing a major facelift following a Ksh1 billion allocation by President William Ruto. Expected to be completed by April 2027, the facility will have a seating capacity of 14,000 and feature modern amenities, including improved terraces, changing rooms, and floodlights.
According to the governor, the upgraded facility will provide an enabling environment for talent identification and development among learners in schools and sports academies across the region.
Shabana FC Public Relations Officer Stephen Kiama welcomed the project, saying it would inspire young people to pursue sports seriously and unlock their potential.
He noted that access to a modern stadium will motivate students and aspiring athletes by exposing them to professional competitions and sports role models.
“When young people watch top athletes and football stars compete in a world-class facility, they are encouraged to dream bigger and work harder towards achieving success through sports,” said Kiama.
Beyond talent development, the stadium is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the county. Improved sporting facilities will enhance training opportunities in football, athletics, rugby, and other disciplines while creating jobs in construction, security, ticketing, catering, and facility management.
The venue will also attract national and regional sporting events, boosting revenue through gate collections, sponsorships, advertising, tourism, and hospitality-related businesses.
County officials say the project aligns with the national government’s agenda of expanding sports infrastructure and creating platforms where young people can nurture their talents and access employment opportunities.
Once completed, Gusii Stadium is expected to host Kenya Premier League matches, national team fixtures, school competitions, and cultural events, positioning Kisii as a leading centre for sports development, education, and youth empowerment.
By Enock Okong’o
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