Nairobi, 21st November, 2023
Nairobi City County Executive for Talent, Skills Development and Care Rosemary Kariuki accompanied by County Chief Officer for Youth, Talent and Sports, Oscar Igaida toured Dandora Stadium and Mwiki Sports Complex.
In August Governor Sakaja initiated a groundbreaking exercise for the rehabilitation works for the Woodley Stadium and Joe Kadenge Stadium formerly known as City Stadium. The county government has set aside close to 600 million Shillings in this year’s budget to elevate the stadium to international standards. The County intends to rehabilitate sports spaces and build more facilities to accommodate more people in the city and give the community better sporting spaces.
Said The County Executive “Today’s visit is to establish the extent of Stadium readiness to host football tournaments. Such events are platforms for gifted footballers to impress soccer scouts. Who knows it is through such tournaments that the likes of Dennis Oliech and Michael Olunga were discovered. The same thing might happen to another young Nairobi youth and provide a stepping stone for them to pursue football professionally and enable them use it to earn a honest living that will keep away from drugs and crime.”
The County Executive said “Governor Sakaja in his manifesto laid a focus on providing the youth with opportunities to improve their livelihoods, the governor believes that revamping sports, creative arts, and talents will be able to provide an environment that nurtures, grows, and monetizes their talents. Public spaces are prone to land grabbers, it is the intention of Governor Sakaja to fulfill the promises made in his Manifesto to secure and develop all our sports grounds in all the 17 sub-counties for public use.
She said, the revamping of our public spaces will give the youth an opportunity like no other exposure, and growth, we will start from the grassroots up the national level, from this we will be able to identify youth with different sports talents. The County is determined to ensure that no one will use spaces meant for the community, for private or any other use we will not allow land grabbers to tamper with these spaces.” she added.
Mr. Igaida said “The Dandora and Mwiki sports facilities will provide a platform for youth to engage in physical activities, promoting a healthy lifestyle, fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills, contributing to personal development. Additionally, these facilities will offer a safe and structured environment, reducing the risk of delinquency by providing positive outlets for energy and talent. Overall, the sports facilities will play a vital role in enhancing the well-being and development of the youth in Nairobi and the Country as well.”
Mwiki sports complex Consists of a football pitch, basketball court, volleyball field and handball grounds plus a social hall for indoor games next to the stadium.
The County Executive was also accompanied by Director Sports Linet Boyani and Quantity Surveyor Victor Munala.
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