Government unveils Sh1.7 billion plan for 37 sports academies

The Government has set aside Sh1.7 billion to establish 37 new sports academies across the country to nurture young talent and boost the sports sector.

Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the initiative is aimed at scouting and developing talent from the grassroots level to meet international standards.

Speaking in Kwale County during the groundbreaking ceremonies for two academies, Mvurya said the sports sector has played a big role in economic growth and continues to offer many opportunities for young people.

He emphasized the Government’s commitment to promoting fitness, encouraging mass participation, and providing platforms for identifying and nurturing talent.

The CS, who was accompanied by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani, and County Commissioner Stephen Orinde, officiated the launch of two projects in the region.

The Taru Sports Academy at Taru Secondary School will be built at a cost of Sh55 million, while the Matuga Sports Academy at Matuga Girls Secondary School will cost Sh54 million.

Mvurya said the Taru project will focus on developing skills in athletics, basketball, netball, football, volleyball, and other sports.

The facility will also have changing rooms designed to serve both local and regional athletes.

"In addition to the Taru sports infrastructure, the government will also construct two additional classrooms for the secondary school and a borehole to benefit the surrounding community," Mvurya said.

The Matuga Academy, he added, will feature a modern athletics track and multiple fields for football, volleyball, basketball, and netball.

"In addition, the Matuga project will include the construction of two classrooms, a social hall, an elevated water tank, and a borehole, all aimed at benefiting both the school and the wider community," he said.

Mvurya explained that the sports academies align with President William Ruto’s broader agenda of creating opportunities for the youth.

He said sports provide a channel not only for talent growth but also for income generation among young people.

He stressed that the ministry is placing youth development through sports at the heart of its work and remains focused on enhancing the well-being of the youth while supporting the growth of the sports sector nationwide.