Keeping youth away from alcohol and drug abuse will be the biggest campaign of the 2nd edition of the Governor’s Cup Football Tournament.

The Departments of Youth and Sports in collaboration with the Health Department is working towards providing a platform to empower youth through sports while at the same time sensitizing them against alcoholism and substance abuse.

The second edition of the Governor’s Cup focuses on identifying and nurturing football talents across the County. 356 teams across the County have enlisted for the tournament themed Vijana ni Nguzo, Tuwakuze!

The tournament will be launched in mid-April. 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.

Each of the 30 Wards will hold own championship, where top two teams will proceed to the Sub-County level. The top two teams at the Ward and Sub-County will also advance to the County levels. Prizes will be awarded to top four teams at each level.

“The Governor has a lot of interest in empowering youth through sports, this is why he is giving our young people a platform to show their sports abilities,” said the County Executive for Youth Affairs and Sports, Eng Lucy Ng’endo, during a preparation meeting, on Thursday.

Dr. Koiya Arap Maiyo, representing the Department of Health, said: “We can use sports to sensitize against alcoholism and drug abuse. Our board is keen to support initiatives that work to keep us away from drugs and generally free from the challenges associated with the segment.”

Nicholas Busienei (Director for Sports), Henry Mukolwe (Director for Administration -Sports), and Viola Korir (Assistant Director for Sports), a technical team for the tournament, were at the meeting.