Dr. Betty Karanja, the Junior Secondary School and Primary Sports Secretary, has issued a fervent appeal for increased partnerships to uplift the standards of school sports and, consequently, improve student performance.
Speaking at AIC Sultan Hamud Primary during the county-level ball games competition, Dr. Karanja underscored the urgent need for county government to invest in quality playing fields and stadia, ensuring young learners at the grassroots level gain vital exposure.
“You see, here they play on poor fields, and others come from poor terrain, which becomes a challenge when they proceed up there and encounter very nice fields,” Dr. Karanja explained,
“Some perform poorly due to lack of exposure, not because they don’t know how to play.” She added
Despite the pervasive challenge of inadequate sporting facilities, Dr. Karanja lauded Makueni County’s emergence as a formidable force in school sports. She proudly noted that the team representing the region at the national level last year hailed from Makueni, specifically from the host school, AIC Sultan Hamud.
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“I can say we started and ended well,” she remarked with satisfaction. “The teams were very competent, with competent players, referees, and coaches.”
Dr. Karanja also observed a significant surge in participation and competition levels this year compared to the previous one, attributing it to a growing recognition among students of the intrinsic value of sports.
“Sports is a form of employment, it helps the body keep fit, and it awakens the mind, among other benefits,” she emphasized.
She extended her gratitude to the sponsors who supported the games despite prevailing economic challenges, acknowledging their crucial role in nurturing young talent.
Dr. Karanja concluded by extending her best wishes to the players advancing to the regional level competitions, which commenced on July 22nd, expressing confidence that many would progress to the national stage.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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