Govt to link Kenyan talent with global sports teams
DICKSON MWITI-KNA
The Government, through the State Department for Diaspora Affairs, is exploring ways to connect talented young Kenyan sportsmen and women to opportunities with professional teams abroad.
Speaking during the inaugural Kazi Majuu Football Tournament at Mitoone Primary School in Buuri Constituency, Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu said discussions are at an advanced stage on creating pathways that will enable talented athletes in football, athletics, volleyball and other disciplines to secure opportunities outside the country.
“As you know, sports are an important part of this country. We are well known for our athletics among other talents, and we are creating opportunities that link young people to teams abroad. This is part of what we do as a department,” said Njogu.
She said the initiative seeks to help young people appreciate that, although their talents are nurtured locally, they can unlock opportunities in the global sports arena.
More than 2,000 young people attended the launch of the Kazi Majuu Football Tournament, with the event bringing together youth united by sport, talent, and the belief that opportunity can transform lives.
The State Department distributed football kits and balls to 60 community teams, while 10 teams, including two women’s teams, competed in the opening round of the tournament.
Njogu said the tournament is about more than football, noting that it is designed to connect talent with opportunity while demonstrating to young people that their dreams extend beyond Kenya’s borders.
“Whether their future lies on the football field, in business, in skilled work or in the global labour market, Kenya believes in them,” she said.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people through the Kazi Majuu programme and conveyed the President William Ruto’s support for youth pursuing employment and career opportunities locally and abroad.
Participants were also sensitized on the opportunities available through the Kazi Majuu programme and educated on safe labour migration through licensed recruitment agencies.
Buuri Member of Parliament Mugambi Rindikiri said the Kazi Majuu initiative complements his Ujuzi Mashinani programme, which equips young people with marketable skills before preparing them for overseas employment.