Photo source: The Star
Bungoma county government is set to put up major football academies in the region in a bid to boost talent among youths.
Governor Kenneth Lusaka observed that the mooted football academy was already captured in the county integrated development plan and its implementation could be realised with budgetary provisions in the next financial year 2014/15 that starts on July 1 this year.
“The academy will be an addition to the Sh250 million ultra modern high altitude athletics training centre now under construction at Chemoge in Kaptama ward of Mt. Elgon sub-county, whose Phase One is scheduled for completion next month,” said Lusaka.
The first phase that includes a perimeter fence, cafeteria, gymnasium and physiotherapy clinic was completed on November 6 last year. In the subsequent phases, accommodation facilities and a modern tartan track will be built in a deliberate move to promote sports tourism besides nurturing home talent.
“The county government’s huge capital investments in sports facilities that also includes the rehabilitation of Masinde Muliro Stadium at Kanduyi at a cost of Sh40 million is geared towards encouraging sporting activities for young people to actualise their dreams in their preferred sports careers,” said Lusaka.
The governor called for an immediate audit of wards’ sports funds after allegations by Football Kenya Federation Bungoma branch treasurer Paul Nduba that the cash may have been misappropriated by some MCAs.
Speaking at Bukembe during the Cup finals speaker John Makali and majority leader Majimbo Okumu reckoned the county assembly would assent to the football academy budget once it is tabled by the executive to fast track its implementation because of the urgent need for the facility by young footballers.
-The-Star.co.ke