The government has launched a robust campaign to raise Kenyan football to the required levels of competition.
Speaking on Monday during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, President William Ruto explained a detailed plan aimed at developing grassroots football.
“As part of this plan, I have accepted to champion a grassroots football development program that will see national government work with county governments to invest heavily in youth football,” Ruto said.
The President revealed that the government will soon start a national competition aimed at bringing out local talents.
“Arrangements are at an advanced stage to launch a bottom-up football tournament to be contested by under-19 teams from all 47 counties,” Ruto said.
“We will work with our governors for each county to build a team right from the ward level,” he added.
“This is the first step in our Football Vision 2030 where we target to see Harambee Stars play at the 2030 World Cup and Kenya host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations."
Last week, the government said it intends to submit a bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations, alongside their East Africa neighbours.
An official statement from the President’s office said the intention is to build a national team that can qualify for the 2030 World Cup. Kenya has never qualified for the World Cup.
President Ruto added his administration is keen on transforming sports into a mega industry in an effort aimed at empowering the youth.
“My administration recognises sports and the arts as a mega industry that can employ millions of our youth and help grow our economy,” he aaded. “Through the revolutionary ‘Talanta Hela’ Plan, we will rebuild and monetise our sports and creatives industry.
Earlier in the year, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba expressed his desire to see Harambee Stars at the 2030 World Cup.
“We have a vision that at least, Kenya must participate at the World Cup. We are considering the fact that with proper investment and planning,we can bring Harambee Stars to the World Cup in 2030,” he said in a press conference.
