President William Ruto with Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and Uriri MP Mark Nyamita at State house where the President handed over a bus to Migori Youth FC.
Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko during an earlier inspection of ongoing works at Migori Stadium. Faith Matete
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko has said the county is on course to become a regional sports hub once the Sh850 million Migori County Stadium is completed later this year.
The governor said construction of the 16,000-seater facility is progressing well and is expected to be completed by September or October, paving the way for Migori to host national football matches and other sporting events.
"We are happy that other teams will also come to Migori to host games," Ayacko said, adding that the stadium will provide local athletes with a modern facility to develop their talents.
Speaking after President William Ruto hosted National Super League champions Migori Youth FC at State House, Nairobi, Ayacko said the government's support for sports had come at an opportune time, as the stadium project nears completion.
He urged counties across the region to invest more in sports, saying the sector has the potential to create employment, nurture talent and stimulate local economies.
The governor praised Migori Youth FC and other football clubs in the county for flying Migori's flag high, noting that their achievements have inspired many young people to pursue careers in sports.
Ayacko said the county government will set aside funds to support different sporting disciplines, reaffirming his administration's commitment to expanding sports development beyond football.
He also highlighted the success of the recently concluded Governor's Cup tournament, saying the competition attracted overwhelming public support and demonstrated the growing passion for football among residents.
"The reception we received during the Governor's Cup showed just how much our people love football," he said.
Ayacko appealed to political leaders across the region to join hands in supporting local teams and individual players, arguing that collective investment would help unlock the potential of many talented youths.
He further urged young people to embrace sports as a pathway to employment and personal development while steering clear of destructive habits such as drug and substance abuse.
Earlier this month, the governor inspected the ongoing construction of the stadium, a joint project between the county and national governments built on an 8.7-acre parcel of land donated by the county government.
The facility, being constructed to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, will feature a professional football pitch, an athletics track and other supporting amenities.
Once complete, the stadium is expected to provide a modern venue for football, athletics and other sporting disciplines while creating employment opportunities, nurturing youth talent and boosting economic activity in Migori County.
