The prize money for the 2026 Governor’s Cup football tournament has been doubled in a major boost aimed at nurturing grassroots talent and creating economic opportunities for the youth across the county.

The enhanced rewards are part of Governor Jonathan Bii’s talent development agenda, which seeks to empower youth through sports and provide platforms where talent can translate into income and career growth.

Speaking while chairing a technical committee meeting to plan the tournament, County Executive Committee Member for Sports Robert Kemei said the county leadership remains committed to investing in youth empowerment initiatives.

He noted that the increased funding reflects the Governor’s commitment to supporting and uplifting young people through sports development programmes.

In this year’s tournament, the overall county champions will pocket KSh1 million, while winners at the sub-county and ward levels will receive KSh500,000 and KSh100,000 respectively.

Team registration will run from May 20 to June 26 across all the 30 wards. The tournament will then be staged from July through November, progressing from ward matches to the county finals. The women’s competition will commence immediately after the men’s tournament.

County Assembly Youth and Sports Committee Vice Chairperson Tabitha Wambui said the committee is ready to support increased budget allocations for programmes that directly benefit and empower the youth.

Chief Officer for Youth Affairs CPA Victorine Kapkiai assured residents that the department is fully prepared to roll out the tournament successfully.

Also present during the meeting were Director of Sports Henry Mukolwe, Deputy Director of Sports Pius Mosbei, county officials, and representatives from the Football Kenya Federation.

Officials confirmed that the tournament will be conducted in line with both FIFA and FKF regulations to ensure professionalism and fairness throughout the competition.

Meanwhile, the Department of Sports is expected to brief ward and sub-county administrators on Tuesday, May 20, ahead of the sensitization and registration exercise.

PRIZES IN KSH
County Level

1. 1,000,000
2. 750,000
3. 500,000
4. 250,000
5. 150,000
6. 100,000

Sub-County Level

1. 500,000
2. 250,000
3. 100,000
4. 50,000

Ward Level

1. 100,000
2. 50,000
3. 30,000
4. 20,000