The Kenya Academy of Sports has marked a historic milestone in grassroots sports development with the groundbreaking of four Constituency Sports Academies in Kwale and Nandi counties. The ceremonies, held in April 2025, took place in Taru and Matuga Constituencies (Kwale County) and Aldai and Nandi Hills Constituencies (Nandi County), and were graced by top government officials, local leaders, and community members.
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, led the ceremonies alongside the Principal Secretary, Mr. Elijah Mwangi, and the CEO of Kenya Academy of Sports, Dr. Doreen Odhiambo. Their attendance underscored the national importance of the initiative in shaping the future of sports development in Kenya.
Hon. Mvurya emphasized that the academies are envisioned as centers of opportunity, discipline, and national pride. He highlighted the government’s commitment to identifying and nurturing raw talent from the grassroots, with the aim of developing athletes who can represent Kenya on the international stage.
Dr. Doreen Odhiambo reaffirmed the Academy’s role in providing professional training, coaching, and mentorship to young athletes. She noted that the academies would be instrumental in equipping the next generation of sportsmen and women with the skills, resources, and conducive environment necessary to thrive, describing the initiative as a transformative step for the country’s sporting future.
The four academies are part of a broader national program to construct 37 Constituency Sports Academies at a total cost of KES 1.7 billion. The project is a key pillar in the Ministry’s strategy to establish a structured pipeline for talent development across the country, ensuring that grassroots potential is nurtured to meet international coaching and performance standards.
Local leaders, Members of Parliament, county officials, and youth representatives who attended the groundbreaking ceremonies expressed their support for the initiative. They lauded the government’s efforts in youth empowerment through sports and committed to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the success and sustainability of the academies.
As construction begins, the Kenya Academy of Sports remains dedicated to delivering high-quality facilities that will not only uplift communities but also serve as breeding grounds for Kenya’s next generation of champions.