- The MPs underscored the role sports play in engaging youths and keeping them away from harmful activities.
- They urged the government to revert the funds back to the sports kitty after two years of implementing digital hubs around the country.
Image: Alice Waithera
@Alicewangechi
Three MPs from Murang’a county now wants more funds allocated towards facilitating sports activities in the grassroots to engage youths and keep them from harmful activities.
This follows the decision to scrap the two per cent kitty dedicated to sports activities from the NG-CDF kitty, and which was largely depended on by MPs to carry out sporting activities in the grassroots.
MPs Edwin Mugo (Mathioya), Betty Maina (Murang'a Woman Rep) and Joe Nyutu (senator) underscored the importance of sports in keeping youths busy as the government continues with its fight against drugs and illicit brews in the country.
Mugo who spoke at Rurii stadium during the final matches of the Edwin Mugo Cup finals, proposed that the government should channel the funds through the National Government Affirmative Action kitty channeled through the woman representatives.
This, he said, will enable Woman Reps to organise countywide tournaments that will reach youths from all parts.
Even then, Mugo said he will now focus on seeking sponsors to facilitate future tournaments in the constituency.
“The sports kitty under NG-CDF was channeled towards ICT but I will be partnering with my counterparts to seek the support of corporates and NGOs to support sporting activities moving forward,” he said.
The MP said halting such activities would put many youths at the risk of falling prey to alcoholism that has reduced many to zombies.
Image: Alice Waithera
He said the tournament that cost Sh1 million benefited 64 men and women football teams, with winners going home with various awards.
“These activities not only help to keep youths busy but also help to identify different talents, including players and commentators. My hope is that by the time my term ends, I will have a team playing on the national league just like Murang’a Seals,” he added.
Senator Nyutu said sports also keep youths fit and away from obesity that is known to compromise health.
He however pointed out the need for sporting facilities such as fields to be in good shape to make it easier for youths to play.
“My challenge to the county government is to consider rehabilitating fields that have been neglected for some time to support youth’s activities,” he said, urging the national government to also consider establishing a national stadium in the county.
Maina said Murang’a county is second top in consumption of illicit brews and sexual assault cases against women and girls.
She said such activities are fertile grounds to talk to both youths and members of the community on the vices and help reduce them.
“The digital hubs the government is establishing will be done by the next two years. My call would be for the government to revert the funds to the sports kitty afterwards,” she said.
Murang’a County Executive Officer for sports Manoah Gachucha said the devolved unit has started programmes aimed at empowering youths, citing the Murang’a Youth Service has about 1,000 youths doing casual jobs and being paid Sh400 daily.
The youths are engaged for three months before being facilitated to undertake technical courses in local polytechnics and receiving Sh15,000 capital to start another business and then another batch is recruited.
Further, he said the county has tendered the development of architectural designs for some of the stadiums for their upgrade.
In the finals, Kairo FC won the cup by flooring Nyagiti FC 3-0. In the women’s teams, the Kiamutiri team won by defeating Thuita 2-0.