Faith Masita
NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has reiterated the Government’s commitment to investing in modern sports infrastructure as a key strategy for nurturing the talents of Kenya’s young population and steering them away from social vices such as drug abuse and alcoholism.
Speaking on Sunday, February 22, during an official function, the President highlighted that the construction and upgrading of sporting facilities across the country will provide avenues for youth engagement, talent development and healthy competition, thereby contributing to socio-economic transformation.
“Sports has the power to transform lives. When our youth have access to proper facilities and training venues, they will spend time productively, build careers, and stay away from harmful habits,” President Ruto said, stressing the link between structured sporting programmes and reduced social vices.
The head of state reaffirmed that improving sports infrastructure is part of the broader national agenda to create opportunities and foster youth empowerment. The Government is prioritising the development of stadia and training grounds across Kenya, a strategy aligned with long-term plans to boost local talent and position the country as a competitive sporting nation.
Among the major projects currently underway are several modern stadiums being built or upgraded in various counties, including Murang’a’s Sh800 million Mumbi Stadium, designed with multi-sport facilities to support athletes, coaches and the wider community.
The Government is also advancing major national venues such as the Raila Odinga International Stadium (formerly Talanta Stadium) in Nairobi, which is expected to host top-tier continental events and offer world-class training and competition environments for Kenyan athletes.
Sports officials and youth advocates have welcomed the initiatives, noting that improved access to quality facilities can help reduce idle time among young people—a factor often linked to substance abuse and other negative behaviours.
President Ruto’s remarks come against a backdrop of growing concern over substance abuse among Kenyan youth, which government authorities have described as a national challenge requiring holistic interventions.
