Kwale: Cabinet Secretary for Youth, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, recently reinforced the national government's commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure and development across the country. Mvurya emphasized the importance of grassroots-level facilities in positioning the nation as a leading sporting hub.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mvurya praised the Kwale County government's ongoing refurbishment of the Kwale County Stadium, a Sh450 million project aimed at elevating sports development in the coastal region. The state-of-the-art stadium, featuring facilities for various sports, is expected to significantly impact local and regional athletics.
The stadium, completed in 2024, has already hosted significant events, including the 61st Mashujaa Day Celebrations, and is set to transform Kwale into a potential sporting powerhouse. The recent addition of 8,000 bucket seats and fibre goalposts exemplifies the Ministry of Sports' dedication to providing world-class amenities.
During his visit to the Tsimba/Golini ward facility, Mvurya highlighted the importance of infrastructure in establishing Kwale as a sporting hub. He encouraged local governments and stakeholders to invest in sports, highlighting the role sports play in youth development.
Accompanied by Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat and Francisca Kilonzo, Mvurya assessed the stadium's upgrades, including the football pitch and irrigation system, designed to host local and international events. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and emphasized the importance of good pitches in nurturing football talent nationwide.
Mvurya announced plans to construct 30 new stadiums and refurbish existing facilities, alongside developing 37 sports academies to nurture grassroots talent. These initiatives align with President William Ruto's agenda of engaging youth and promoting sports.
The CS noted the economic significance of the sports industry and its contribution to national growth. Kwale's County Executive for Sports, Francisca Kilonzo, assured the county's commitment to maintaining high standards and promoting youth participation in sports.
Kilonzo highlighted ongoing efforts to construct sports fields in all 20 administrative wards to foster grassroots sports development in Kwale.