Kiambu town Member of Parliament Machua Waithaka hosted 19 football teams from the County League, Regional League and Division League in efforts to support sports and nurture talent among the youth.

Each team received three balls and the players were encouraged to continue working hard and developing their talents and making the constituency proud.

This support came a month after the MP met with 16 teams participating in the sub-County league, where he donated 3 balls to each team.

The MP’s office also provided a constituency van for the teams travelling to different parts of the country for games reducing the burden of transport for the players and team officials.

MP Machua addressing the football team players

“My office has and will continue to support young people through well-wishers and personal initiatives. Despite the changes in the NG-CDF sports funding arrangement, we will continue doing our part to nurture talent and create opportunities for our youth,” Waithaka said.

He said his office is working closely with the Ministry of Sports to ensure promising talents progress to higher levels and get opportunities to represent Kenya.

The National Government Sports Strategic Plan 2023–2027 also identifies talent identification, nurturing and development as key priorities, while providing for collaboration with county governments in establishing grassroots programmes.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Kiambu Sub-County branch acknowledged and thanked the MP for his support, describing him as a leader who keeps his word to the football fraternity.

Football player Isaac Ochieng’ thanked Waithaka for including football in his youth programmes, saying the donations would help teams prepare for the coming season.

“Thank you for considering football in your plans. The donations mean a lot to the teams as we prepare for the coming season,” Ochieng’ said.

He also thanked FKF for creating opportunities and memorable experiences for local teams.

Support for young athletes is expected to continue, with the aim of helping promising players access opportunities at higher levels of competition.

 by Michele Kiptoo and Grace Naishoo