Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii, EGH, has reiterated his commitment to empowering the youth through harnessing their sports talents.
Speaking as he launched the 2024 Governor’s Cup Football Tournament on Saturday, Dr. Bii said the best way to bring about economic transformation among the youth is investing in the identification and nurturing of sports talents.
Dr. Bii said his government has laid strategies and policies that will framework this agenda of monetizing sports talent.
The County head said the Governor’s Cup tourney is among many programs that offer youth opportunities to exhibit their sports abilities and earn from their talents.
And going forward, the Governor said, the Governor’s Cup tourney will be expanded to have more prize money. This year’s tourney offers Ksh 500,000 for the winning team, up to last year’s Ksh 100,000.
Winners at the county finals take home Ksh 500,000, second Ksh 300,000, third 200,000 and fourth Ksh 100,000 in the men’s and women’s category. The tourney begins in each of the 30 Wards, then the first and second positions will proceed to the Sub-County championship.
The County Assembly, represented by the vice chair for the Youth and Sports Committee, Hon. Thomas Yego, said the legislature is working closely with the executive to better youth programs.
County Executive for Youth Affairs and Sports, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo said the Youth Policy will provide expanded frameworks for youth empowerment. Chief Officer, Jelagat Tirop, said the Department is keenly implementing the youth empowerment pillar.
At the same time, Kenyans have been urged to undertake physical activities to promote fitness. These were said as the World Physical Activities Day was commemorated, alongside the launch of the Governor’s Cup.
Governor Dr. Bii said the last Friday of every month will be a physical activity day, to promote healthy living and keep at bay lifestyle diseases. The County Executive for Health Services, Dr. Abraham Serem, also reinforced the Governor’s statement.
Chief Officer for Promotive and Preventive Health, Dr Paul Wangwe, said that physical activity keeps humans free from diseases like diabetes and obesity. His Public Service counterpart, Ambrose Tarus, said physically fit personnel is a hardworking and efficient workforce.
Members of County Assembly, Nathan Malamoch (Segero/Barsombe), Jewel Kogo (nominated), Gerard Kiplagat (nominated), County Executives Micah Rogony (Finance), Eng. Joseph Lagat (Roads), Chief Of Staff, Nicholas Chepkwony, Chief Officers Dr. Joyce Sang (Clinical Services), Nathan Korir (Lands), Mark Some (Administration), Victorine Kapkiai (Economic Planning) and a host of Directors, as well as sponsors, attended the events.
