The 8th annual Kenya Youth Inter County Sports Association (KYISA) Games kicked off today at the Kirubia County Stadium in Tharaka Nithi County, with the participation of over 4,000 young athletes. Cabinet Secretary for Sports Hon. Ababu Namwamba and Principal Secretary for the State Department for Sports Mr. Jonathan Mueke were present to officiate the event.
In his address, Namwamba highlighted the power of sports in breaking down ethnic and religious barriers and fostering unity among young people in the counties. “KYISA targets the right profile of players and youths that are out of school and nurtures their talents,” he said.
He also announced that the most talented players would be invited to the Sports Arena in Kasarani for advanced training and to be scouted for the “Talanta Hela” program, which provides opportunities for employment in sports, arts, fashion, pageantry, theatre, film, and music.
Namwamba then proceeded to hand over balls to representatives of all the disciplines. Meanwhile, Mueke underscored the value of sports as a language that effectively communicates with young people, bringing them together and creating a pipeline to national teams.
He expressed his good wishes to all the teams and assured participants of their safety throughout the games.
The KYISA Games, which run from April 23 to 30, 2023, attract young athletes from across the counties who come to compete in various disciplines.
With the emphasis on talent development and the potential for career opportunities through the “Talanta Hela” program, the KYISA Games promise to be a significant event in the Kenyan sports calendar.
