Nairobi: The Elgeyo Marakwet County Government has initiated the construction of a Sh55 million sports academy at St. Patrick's Boys High School, designed to benefit youth throughout the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project is anticipated to be completed within one and a half years and aims to establish Elgeyo Marakwet as a center for sports development within the county. Governor Wisley Rotich highlighted the significance of sports in talent nurturing and enhancing the county's sporting reputation. He mentioned future plans for similar academies in various constituencies, including Kapchebau in Marakwet East and Chepkorio in Keiyo South.
Governor Rotich expressed a desire to complete the academies promptly to attract athletes from different counties for training. He also pointed out that the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) framework supports talent development, encouraging residents to utilize the opportunity for expanding youth prospects in sports.
Kenya Academy of Sports CEO, Doreen Odhiambo, emphasized their dedication to collaborating with the Ministry of Education and the County Government to equip teachers with skills for identifying and training young talents. She stated their intent to build teacher capacity and identify talent even prior to the completion of the facilities. Odhiambo also noted that by 2027, every constituency would have a sports academy, each with a budget of Sh55 million.
The sports academy is set to include facilities for various sports such as football and volleyball, alongside a social hall for music festivals and cultural activities.
Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai reassured residents that the project would create job opportunities, in line with the President's directive for local community benefits. He emphasized the importance of sourcing construction materials locally to stimulate the county's economy.