Tharaka nithi: The government is committed to streamline the sports sector in the country to make it more gainful to players and athletes who depend on it as their main source of income. In this regard, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured sportsmen and women in the country of the government’s commitment to make sports one of the well-paying sectors in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Deputy President emphasized the need to balance academics with sports, explaining that the new curriculum will nurture talent from early stages through to advanced levels. He highlighted the importance of recognizing diverse talents beyond academic performance, drawing parallels with developed nations where sportspeople and artists are highly successful.
The Deputy President spoke on Thursday during a consultation with athletes from Embu, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi at his home in Irunduni, Tharaka Nithi County. He stressed the importance of valuing sports, noting the global financial success of professiona
l athletes. Kindiki outlined government initiatives to enhance sports infrastructure, improve training facilities, and promote early talent identification and development.
In the education sector, Kindiki highlighted the revision of the curriculum to integrate sports and the creative industry, focusing on a holistic approach to education. He mentioned the Competency Based Curriculum’s evolution into Competency Based Education and Training, aiming to nurture diverse talents from a young age.
The Deputy President underscored the significance of sports infrastructure, citing renovations of Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums to meet international standards. He noted the President’s prioritization of stadium renovations and new constructions, contributing to Kenya’s readiness to host major international sports events like CHAN and AFCON.
Further development includes the construction of Talanta Stadium in Nairobi, set to become a modern sports facility upon completion in January. The government, in collaboration with c
ounty governments, has also renovated stadiums outside Nairobi, including those in Kinoru, Homa Bay, Bukhungu, and Embu.
Kindiki announced the expansion of the Kenya Sports Academy into the Kenya Academy for Sports, Arts, and Creatives, offering comprehensive training and learning opportunities. He also assured athletes of benefits from a government-led empowerment program nationwide.