The government has been urged to invest more in identifying and nurturing children’s talents at an early age to prevent wasted potential and secure brighter futures for the youth.
Speaking in Ruiru during the launch of the Royal Stars Volleyball Academy, education stakeholders and community leaders said talent development should be treated with the same seriousness as academics.
“We cannot afford to let our children’s gifts go to waste. Nurturing talent from an early age will not only transform their futures but also bring pride to our nation,” said Hellen Gichuru, a talent development advocate who is spearheading the academy’s programs.
The academy, which has enrolled 25 children aged between 7 and 16, will train players professionally until they are ready to compete in established clubs across the country. According to Gichuru, the initiative is designed to offer young players a structured pathway into sports careers.
Her sentiments were echoed by Dr. Vincent Gaitho, the MKU Council Chair who warned that neglecting children’s talents exposes them to negative influences.
“Without proper support, many young people lose direction and are easily lured into drugs and other vices. We must embrace their talents and give them a reason to focus on the right path,” Gaitho said.
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He urged the government to extend similar backing to volleyball as it has to football and athletics. “Volleyball has immense potential to generate income and uplift individuals and communities. If supported, it can elevate Kenya’s profile globally,” he added.
Gaitho also highlighted the broader economic impact of talent, saying the creative industry can create jobs and inspire entrepreneurship among the youth.
Community leader Emily Warutere emphasized that most grassroots talent goes unnoticed due to a lack of mentorship and facilities.
“We have so much talent in our communities, but many young people give up along the way because no one is there to guide or mentor them,” Warutere said. She challenged politicians and local leaders to provide training grounds and sports equipment to bridge the gap.
Warutere further appealed to parents to encourage their children’s gifts. “When parents support their children’s passions, it instils discipline and shields them from destructive habits,” she noted.
Stakeholders at the launch stressed that volleyball should be recognized not just as a pastime but as a profession capable of sustaining livelihoods. They also called on the government to introduce scholarships for talented children, arguing that such support would ease the financial burden on families while motivating young athletes to excel.
During the event, the budding volleyball players were also presented with brand-new uniforms, each branded with their names, in a gesture meant to boost morale and strengthen their commitment to training.
By John Kamau
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