President William Ruto behind the wheels of the new Migori Youth FC team bus/ HANDOUT
National Super League (NSL) champions Migori Youth FC received a major boost on Monday after President William Ruto hosted the newly crowned second-tier champions at State House, Nairobi, where he fulfilled his promise of gifting the club a team bus.
The new bus is expected to ease the club's travel logistics as they prepare for life in the top flight, providing a significant lift ahead of their nationwide league assignments.
The President also reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening Kenya's sporting infrastructure, revealing that 34 stadiums are currently under construction across the country. The projects include the Talanta Sports City Complex, as well as the ongoing renovation of Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium.
Addressing critics who have questioned the massive investment in sports facilities, President Ruto defended the initiative, saying the country's youth stand to benefit the most.
"Many people have been asking me whether building stadia is a priority. Those people should ask the young people of Kenya that question. You will get the right answer from the young sportsmen and women," he said.
The Head of State noted that Kenya's young athletes continue to fly the country's flag high on the global stage, pointing to the nation's success at international athletics championships and the Junior Harambee Starlets' qualification for the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup as evidence of the immense potential that deserves greater investment.
Turning his attention to Migori County, President Ruto said the Government is constructing a modern stadium that will serve as both the home ground for Migori Youth FC and a hub for nurturing emerging talent across the region.
"The stadium we are building in Migori will be the home base of this great team," he said.
He added that the stadium projects being rolled out across the country are designed to inspire more young people to pursue sport and cement Kenya's status as a global sporting powerhouse.
Beyond sports, the President urged the youth to take advantage of the opportunities being created through government programmes, including the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA), the digital economy and ICT hubs, overseas employment initiatives and infrastructure development projects.
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko welcomed the Government's investment in the county, saying the new stadium will provide a world-class platform for developing local talent.
Ayacko disclosed that the facility is expected to be completed by September.
"These young people will have an opportunity to use the stadium and, when they use it, I believe they will bring the Premier League title to Migori County," he said.
Uriri MP and Migori Youth FC patron Mark Nyamita also expressed his gratitude to President Ruto for backing the club, noting that the team had endured difficult times before its remarkable rise to National Super League glory.
