The leaders noted that the government’s commitment to building and upgrading stadiums nationwide demonstrates a clear intention to nurture grassroots talent and elevate Kenya’s football standards to regional and international levels.

Speaking during a dinner gala held in Embu Town on Thursday evening where outstanding grassroots teams, coaches, and referees were recognized, FKF Eastern Region NEC Member Charles Njagi said the government’s efforts were transforming the sporting landscape.

Njagi urged the youth to steer clear of divisive political debates around the “one-term or two-term” narratives, noting that such discussions derail national progress.

“We must shift our focus from political rhetoric to tangible results. What will shape our future is the investment being made in young people,” he said.

He added that the administration’s work in constructing and refurbishing stadiums across the country was a strong reason for Kenyans to support it for another term.

“In almost every county, a stadium has either been built or is under construction. That alone is a compelling reason to back this government,” Njagi said.

Meru County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs and Sports Elias Murega echoed the sentiments, saying the President William Ruto administration had demonstrated unmatched dedication to the growth of sports in Kenya.

Murega praised President Ruto for his unwavering support for the national team, Harambee Stars, during the recently concluded CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN).

“As much as we are quick to criticize the government when things go wrong, we should equally acknowledge its positive strides, especially in promoting sports,” he said.

The CS was accompanied by Kitui Governor Dr Julius Malombe, Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto and Sports Kenya Chairman Mark Lomunokol when he added over Ithookwe Stadium to a Celebration Committee in preparing the country for Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Mvurya urged Kitui county residents to support the government of President Ruto because of his development record.

"Going forward, we want to urge all Kenyans to support His Excellency the President as he continues to provide leadership in the transformation of our country"

Mvurya made the remarks at Ithookwe Stadium near Kitui town. This year's Mashujaa Day celebrations will be held at the state-of-the-art stadium.Mvurya handed over a giant key to the director of the the administrative division at the office of the president Kodeck  Makori on behalf of interior PS Raymond Omollo who is the chairman of the Mashujaa celebration committee.

Other ongoing projects are construction of Ithookwe Airstrip, roads upgrades and building of a State Lodge in Kitui town.

The CS praised Ithookwe Stadium contractors for doing excellent work within the required time frame.

"They have been very consistent. I want to thank them, he said.

Speaking in Kitui on 30th September 2025, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports, Salim Mvurya, announced that the Kenya Kwanza government had already spent the amount on several key developments. These include the upgrading of roads, the construction of affordable housing, the building of a State lounge, and the completion of the Ithookwe Stadium, which has been expanded and equipped to a 10,000-capacity facility meeting national standards. The stadium will serve as the main venue for Mashujaa Day celebrations on 20th October 2025.

CS Mvurya emphasised that President Ruto had kept his promise to Kitui residents, with the government ensuring that every project in the county would be completed and fully operational for the benefit of the people.“President William Ruto promised these projects, and the national government has invested KSh 2 billion to ensure they are realised. Kitui County is now at the centre of the national development agenda of His Excellency Dr William Ruto,” he stated.

In addition to infrastructure, CS Mvurya unveiled a youth empowerment programme under his ministry aimed at equipping young people with entrepreneurial skills. He revealed that 2,000 youths from Kitui County would undergo business training and each receive a KSh 50,000 grant to start their own enterprises. “In Kitui alone, under my ministry, we will train 2,000 youths and provide them with KSh 50,000 each to establish businesses and improve their lives,” he said.

The CS further used the opportunity to caution residents against divisive politics. He criticised leaders who, according to him, thrive on tribal rhetoric and misusing young people for destructive purposes. “Some politicians lack manifestos and instead incite people against other tribes, which is not good politics. They want to misuse youths to create conflict, which is unacceptable. I urge the youth of this county to focus on their future, pursue their goals, and avoid any violence that could cost them dearly,” Mvurya advised.

Boniface Musambi, the Director of Coordination at State House and a prominent leader in Kitui Central, echoed CS Mvurya’s sentiments. He urged residents to rally behind the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting that the government had placed Kitui’s development at the forefront. “The national government has initiated and polished many projects that will directly benefit Kitui residents. I call on all citizens to join hands in supporting the government, for it is working for your benefit,” Musambi said.

The projects, completed within a short period, are expected to leave a lasting impact on the county by improving infrastructure, boosting livelihoods, and fostering opportunities for the youth. With the national government’s commitment, Kitui is now set to not only host a historic Mashujaa Day but also enjoy sustainable benefits from the KSh2 billion investment.

Speaking to MWINGI TIMES, Antony Kabarak,, Secretary General of Kenya Handball Federation Kitui County branch said that the sporting activities help nurture talent for young people as well as putting their time in productive use rather than getting involved in crime and drug abuse.

Kabarak acknowledged that the league was facing sponsorship challenges to buy equipment to play as well as awarding winners. He called upon well-wishers to chip in.

"As a founder, my biggest worry is to get awards for the winning teams. They also need equipment like nets and goal posts."

In order for league to continue, founder members and committees thank veteran referees who have been volunteering to officiate matches.

A cross section of interview we had with players echoed what founders told us.

Joseph Wambua, a captain from Mutha in Kitui South said although the youth have a lot of talent, they lack fare, uniforms as well as accommodation when they take part in leagues.

Julius Kyalo Muithya plays for Sharks Handball Club. He said his team will thank sponsors who support them since some players come from far flung areas and travelling to Kitui Central for matches is a big logistical nightmare as it involves quite a lot of activities all requiring money to achieve.

Mutemi stated that all interested teams should register at the ward level, and the process is free of charge. "The players will be directed on the necessary requirements by the coordinators," she added.

The Governor's Cup aligns with the Governor Dr Julius Malombe's promise to nurture youth talent and empower them to focus on positive aspects of life.

CECM Mutemi noted that Kitui County youths have been eagerly waiting for this cup, and it's finally here to discover and nurture talents from the villages.

The tournament is set to kick off soon after finalizing arrangements with stakeholders, with the aim of improving the livelihoods of youths in Kitui County.

The coaches, who were trained by knowledgeable and well-versed trainers from the national government, expressed their gratitude and excitement after gaining new tactics in games. "We are happy to acquire this knowledge, which we will use to boost the talents of our students and pupils who can become future heroes," said a coach from Ikutha Girls. "We are grateful to Nicholas Mulila for organizing this training, and we hope to make it to the East Africa level next year."

The coaches also appealed to Nicholas Mulila to continue sponsoring such trainings to enable them to gain more knowledge and improve national performance in games for the county. "The coaches are very happy, and we will do our best in games," added another coach. "We urge our sponsor, Nicholas Mulila, to keep sponsoring county coaches to gain knowledge about games."

The training exercise has been hailed as a fortune for Kitui County's ball games coaches, who are now better equipped to develop student talents and improve performance in schools.

According to Superior Wangui, the Head of Marketing at Camp Ndunda Falls, this year’s edition was about leaving a green footprint.

“This Mudathon is our way of giving back to nature while promoting sustainable tourism. This year, we planted 1,000 trees at Njukiri Forest, just as we have done in every edition,” she said. Mudathon involves racing in the mud as shown in the finalists' clothes.

Jeremiah Njiru, Chairman of the Njukiri Community Forest Association, revealed that the event has helped rehabilitate over 50 acres of forest land by planting indigenous trees."Every participant here plays a role in restoring our forest. This is a movement worth supporting,” he said.

The effort has also earned praise from conservation leaders. Mercy Njeri Kariuki, Conservator at Njukiri East Conservancy, said Camp Ndunda Falls has set a new standard for how tourism sites can integrate conservation.

Babra Kwena, a participant lauded the initiative stating that it was worthy participating saying that she was happy that she made an impact by planting a tree. “I’m happy I took part. Planting a tree and knowing I made a difference feels amazing," she said.

For Nicholas Mwangi from Kenyatta University, the Mudathon was more than a race."It was a good experience, challenging, fun, and rewarding at the same time,” he said.

Speaking on Sunday during a church service at the National Independent Church of Africa (NICA) in Gichiche, Runyenjes constituency, Embu county, CS Ruku said the bold move is meant to uplift the morale of the national team as it prepares to take on top continental challengers. “This is the moment for Kenyans to come together, to cheer, pray, and show love for our team Harambee Stars. Wearing the Harambee Stars jersey  is a symbol of unity and encouragement,” said Ruku.

The Cabinet Secretary clarified that the directive applies to all civil servants across ministries, parastatals, and commissions, with the exception of uniformed officers such as the police, military, and prison services who will remain in their official attire.

Ruku announced that the dress code will run for the entire month of August, aligning with key matches in the CHAN campaign, and that he will personally lead by example. “Tomorrow morning, I will walk into my office dressed in a Harambee Stars jersey. I urge all public servants to join me in this patriotic charge,” he declared, drawing applause from congregants.

This move comes as the Harambee Stars gear up to face a tough field of African competitors in CHAN, a tournament reserved for players who feature in domestic leagues. 

Kenya has struggled in previous editions but with a fresh squad and renewed optimism under head coach Engin Firat, the team is hopeful for a breakthrough performance.

“This is not just about football. It’s about instilling national pride and bringing a spirit of oneness into public service,” added the CS.

He noted that public servants, who are the face of government, have a role to play in energizing national morale.

CS Ruku, who was appointed to the docket in April this year, has been vocal about revitalizing patriotism and discipline within the civil service. This latest move, while symbolic, reflects his ongoing push to link civic duty with national identity. 

As Harambee Stars prepare for their CHAN qualifiers, the national gaze now turns to both the pitch and public service offices across the country to see if Kenyans can unite behind one jersey, one team and one dream.

Ruku was accompanied by Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muuga ,TVET PS Dr Esther Mworia ,Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi and a number of MCAs from Embu County.

The Head of State announced the construction of ultramodern stadium when he toured the county on February 23rd 2023 during the launch of a Border Patrol Hospital at Kanyonyoo town.

Ithookwe Stadium will cost the Government of Kenya KSh 800million. Once complete, it is expected to include a running track, a football pitch as well as a VIP pavilion. 

This project is important to the county because it demonstrates collaboration between national and county government and an appreciation that Kenyans deserve development regardless of the way they vote in a general election. Kitui County and most of Ukambani region supported former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who unsuccessfully ran for the top office in the land in 2022.

Instructively, this is the home county of Wiper leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, another opposition principal with keen eyes on 2027 elections. President William Ruto is banking on his development record to secure a reelection.

Other goodies residents and leaders of Kitui county expect from President William Ruto during the Mashujaa Day celebrations are renovation of Ithookwe Airstrip and construction of a State Lodge in Kitui Town. Both projects will cost KSh 2 billion, analysts say.

Speaking at the event, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar reminded players and officials that discipline is the heartbeat of football. "Without discipline, talent alone cannot take you far," he said, stressing that clubs must uphold high standards both on and off the pitch.

Omar urged football clubs across the country to develop clear strategic plans that would not only guide their day-to-day operations but also ensure steady growth. “A vision without a plan is just a dream,” he emphasized, encouraging clubs to think beyond just match days and trophies.

He also reassured the gathering that the Kenya Kwanza government remains firmly committed to supporting sports and empowering young people through football. “Football unites communities and creates opportunities. We will stand with you every step of the way,” Omar promised.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, a passionate supporter of youth talent, showered praises on 3K FC for putting Embu County on the national map. She noted that the club’s journey from a humble local side to competing nationally was a story of grit, discipline, and determination.

“Today, Embu is being mentioned in the same breath as Kenya’s top footballing regions because of 3K FC,” Mbarire said. She pledged her continued support to the team and to nurturing young talents in Embu, urging them to dream big and chase professional careers.

3K FC’s climb into the National Super League (NSL) is nothing short of historic. From its beginnings in 2013 in Kagumori area of Nginda Ward, the team has defied odds and silenced doubters, culminating in a triumphant 3-1 victory over Kibra United that sealed their promotion.

However, the road has not been without its hurdles like lack of enough resources to finance their matches.

Despite the challenges, the spirit at Winter Villa was upbeat, with leaders, fans, and players sharing a dream of seeing 3K FC stamp their football prowess. Their story is now a rallying cry for other small clubs across Kenya: with discipline, vision, and hard work, nothing is impossible.

In attendance were Hussein Mohammed (FKF President), UDA Directors Rob Jillo (Communication), Halake Halake (Minorities & Marginalized Groups), Grace Gichovi (Events & Logistics), Sabastian Mwangangi (Special Advisor to the Secretary General), and Truphena Mbogo (Manager Diaspora Affairs).

While touring the area on Wednesday, CS Mvurya inspected the site which is also being prepared to host this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20.

Governor Dr Julius Malombe thanked President William Ruto government for slating the national holiday fete to be held in Kitui town. "In my capacity as the governor of Kitui, I would like to thank His Excellency the President William Ruto for accepting to hold the sherehe here in Kitui County. We are really grateful".

Governor Malombe allayed fears that the stadium work will interfere with the annual Agricultural Show and Trade Fair slated for June.

"We have a myriad of options. There are other places where we can hold the show. We can even still hold it at the Kitui County Aggregation and Industrial Park at Kanyonyoo where we have plenty of space", said the governor.