Migori: The Football Kenya Federation (FKF), in partnership with the national and county government of Migori, has distributed 72 footballs to 72 primary schools across Migori County to support soccer development in the area. The move also aims to nurture young talent and promote athleticism in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the event held at the Migori County Stadium brought together key stakeholders in the sports sector across the county. FKF chairperson Mr. Benard Odongo emphasized the federation’s commitment to strengthening grassroots football and other ball games in primary and junior secondary schools by donating sports kits to the youth. He explained that this initiative is part of a broader plan to devolve football leadership and expand access to sporting resources in the county.
Mr. Odongo promised to send more sports kits to grassroots levels, citing a lack of necessary kits as a barrier for talented youngsters to improve their sporting talents. “To nurture young talents and strengthen grassroots soccer, we will ensure that the youths are well trained and empowered. Initially, balls were not brought to the grassroots level, but now here we are. We want to see young talents being nurtured and strengthened,” he said.
He praised the collaboration between his office and the county government, describing the ball distribution as a vital step toward realizing the county’s sporting potential. While encouraging clubs to nurture more talents, Mr. Odongo revealed that the federation has a development fee kitty to support identified players in nurturing their talents, which acts as a ‘thank you credit’ to the mother team.
Mr. Samson Ondori, the newly appointed FKF youth representative at the Migori Branch, noted that the ball donation aligns with his campaign agenda of uplifting young talents and promoting grassroots games. He announced plans to launch a youth football league starting May 2025 and stressed the need for referee and coach training. However, he highlighted societal challenges, including lack of parental support and over-reliance on one-off tournaments instead of structured leagues, and pledged to work closely with local leaders to enhance sporting opportunities.
Mr. Titus Mwuo, chairperson of the Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KEPSSA) in Migori County, emphasized the significance of the ball donations, highlighting Migori’s prowess in regional games across various sports, including basketball and handball. He expressed satisfaction with FKF’s efforts and urged the county government to alleviate financial challenges faced by ECDE schools, particularly in feeding and providing for learners.
Migori County Director of Youth Sports Affairs, Mr. Vitalis Aoro, affirmed his office’s commitment to fully supporting the sporting sector. He assured that the administration under Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko would assist schools in improving sports infrastructures. Aoro revealed that President Dr. William Ruto has allocated 7 million shillings for the construction of Migori Stadium, and the county has focused on the infrastructural development of sports fields across the county to offer the best sporting stadias in the region.
“The project of developing grassroots playing fields in our region is still ongoing. Currently, we have several areas under development, including balling fields across the county in Rongo, Awendo, Sori, Ntimaru, and Kehancha. More referees would also be trained to professional levels and motivated financially,” said the director.
Other notable football officials present during the event included Mr. Tobius Ouma Oyugi, Nyanza region KEPSSA chairperson, Mr. Samuel Owigo, chairperson of referees in Migori, and Jeffar Hassan, chair FKF Suna East Branch.