- Governor Arati has launched the Etaya Talent Search Tournament to nurture youth talent and promote unity across Kisii County.
- The tournament has offered cash prizes for winners in sports and traditional games, with awards of Sh1 million, Sh750,000 and Sh500,000.
- Leaders have highlighted the value of sports as a source of employment, physical fitness, mental health and cultural preservation
Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has unveiled the Etaya Talent Search Tournament, a countywide initiative designed to nurture youth talent in sports and traditional games while fostering unity and discipline.
The launch, held at Masakwe Secondary School in Kitutu Chache North Constituency, brought together leaders including Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda, Kitutu Chache aspirant Patrick Lumumba, and host MP Japhet Mokaya. Governor Arati announced that the tournament will be staged across 123 sub‑locations in Kisii County.
He said chiefs, assistant chiefs and clan elders will be engaged to ensure the success of the programme. The competition will feature football, athletics, tug of war, music, dance, traditional fire lighting, pot balancing and other cultural activities.
Winners in each category will receive cash prizes of Sh1 million, Sh750,000 and Sh500,000 for first, second and third positions respectively. Arati emphasised the need for discipline and order throughout the tournament, noting that the initiative also aims to combat drug abuse and divisions among the youth, particularly in the run‑up to the 2027 elections.
Schools reopen for Third Term amid funding shortfall ahead of national exams
Former Bomachoge Borabu MP Prof. Zadoc Ogutu, who attended the launch, highlighted the economic and social value of sports. He said sports are not only a source of entertainment but also a major employer globally, with opportunities for youth as athletes, coaches, referees and journalists.
Prof. Ogutu added that sports contribute to physical fitness by strengthening the body, improving circulation and boosting immunity, while also enhancing mental wellbeing by reducing stress, anxiety and depression. He noted that traditional games preserve culture and instil patience, concentration and resilience.
Leaders urged young people to participate actively in the Etaya Tournament, describing it as a stepping stone to county, national and international platforms.
By Enock Okong’o
Get more stories from our website: Education News
To write to us or offer feedback, you can reach us at: editor@educationnews.co.ke
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
