Governor Bii Calls For Introduction of Scrabble in Schools
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii is proposing the introduction of scrabble in educational institutions to foster and promote creative and critical thinking.
Scrabble is a game in which players build up words on a board from small lettered squares or tiles, a player is timed on how fast they think and form the words.
Speaking as he graced the National Scrabble Tournament in Eldoret, Governor Bii said there is a need to introduce Scrabble in educational programs as the game’s model encourages critical thinking.
“Scrabble is a game of the mind, and gauges how fast one can think and act to form english words, of course in a timed manner,” said the Governor, in the event held on Saturday.
“As a way to promote fast thinking, it is necessary to introduce the game in our educational programs both as core and in co-curricular,” added Bii.
The Governor reiterated that his administration is working on embracing and supporting the growth of multi-discipline sports to ensure that every talent in Uasin Gishu is nurtured. “My government is determined to introduce more sports so as tap into all the sports talents.”
Chief Administrative Secretary for Sports and the Arts, Wesley Korir, said: “The government is working and harnessing every avenue that can empower our youth, and sports is one of them. The Ministry is looking at every way of engaging the youth and several programs including Talenta Hela, are being rolled out.”
President of the Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), Adekoyejo Adegbesan, said Kenya has immense talent in Scrabble. “Kenya is the second best scrabble-playing country in Africa after Nigeria, support is needed to make sure that this sport is promoted and Kenya will get more sports fame as scrabble is added into athletics.”
Scrabble Kenya President, Limo Kipkemboi, said: “Uasin Gishu is the best producer of athletics, (Your Excellency) allow us to mould you new champions of Scrabble.”
County Executive for Sports, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo, said the department, drawing inspiration and support from the Governor, is rolling out several programs tailored to grow sports and empower the youth. Her counterparts, Eng Joseph Lagat (Roads) and Dr. Sam Kotut (Health Services) were in attendance.
Governor Bii played and beat 2015 World Champion, Wellington Jighere of Nigeria. The county head was installed as the patron of the Kenya Scrabble.
Kenya will be represented at the World Scrabble Championships in Las Vegas, from July 22 – 26, 2023, with teams already practicing for the African Scrabble Youth Tourney set for August 24 – 28, 2023 in Lagos, Nigeria.
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