A section of leaders in Juja, Kiambu County have urged the government to increase sports funding in order to benefit more youth.
Led by area MP George Koimburi, the leaders argued that sports is the best shot to curb alcoholism and drug abuse among the youth, especially during this time when the country is grappling with high rates of unemployment.
Currently, the annual sports allocation in the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) kitty is Ksh1.5 million.
“The allocation is two per cent of the NG-CDF kitty and it should be increased to between five and ten percent so as to enable it to benefit more people,” he said.
Speaking while launching the Juja Constituency Tournament, Koimburi said that alcoholism and drug abuse have become rampant among the youth, Koimburi noted that they’ll be holding several tournaments yearly so as to actively engage the youth in constructive activities.
The legislator reiterated that the tournaments will be used as campaigns to sensitize the youth on the dangers of indulging in alcoholism and substance abuse as well as enlightening them on the opportunities the government is creating to enable them to make a decent living.
The winning team will take home Ksh100,000 and trophies while the second and third-best teams will take home Ksh75,000 and Ksh50,000 respectively.
David Ayogo, a local leader, challenged corporate entities within the region to chip in and assist in tapping talents among the youth.
He argued that concerted efforts between leaders, authorities and the society at large will be pivotal in the fight against illicit brews and substance abuse in the region.
The youth, led by Benson Karanja, echoed the leaders’ sentiments that the funds increment was long overdue.
He argued that if well nurtured, so many youth can make a living from their talents in sports.
By Kamau Njoroge
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