By Nelson Musungu, Bungoma
Cabinet Secretary for Creative Economy, Youth and Sports, Salim Mvurya, led a groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art Sports Academy at Friends School Bokoli in Bungoma County
The Bokoli Sports Academy, which is set to cost KSh 55 million, will be constructed within the school compound and is expected to transform the region’s sporting landscape
According to CS Mvurya, the facility will feature an 8-lane running track, football pitch, volleyball and netball courts, a basketball court, gender-separated changing rooms, a modern social hall, and a dedicated water tank to ensure reliable water supply
“This academy is a game changer not only for Bokoli but for the entire Bungoma County, it reflects the government’s commitment to identifying and nurturing talent right from the grassroots,” said Mvurya
He emphasized the county’s rich reservoir of sports talent and highlighted the vital role young people play in contributing to the national economy through athletics and other sports
The project is part of a broader national initiative, with the Ministry currently developing 37 sports academies across Kenya at a total cost exceeding KSh 1.7 billion
Mvurya praised the collaboration between the national and Bungoma county governments, saying the strong partnership had made it easier to deliver such vital services directly to the people
The CS also pledged to upgrade the High Altitude Training Centre in Chemuge, Mt. Elgon, transforming it into a fully-fledged Centre of Excellence for sports development
As part of the day’s celebrations, the CS also distributed sports equipment to local players, reinforcing the government’s support for youth empowerment through sport
The event was graced by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Sports Principal Secretary, Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, Talanta Hela CEO Doreen Odhiambo, and other local leaders
Their presence underscored a united commitment to transforming youth potential into real opportunities
Once completed, the Bokoli Sports Academy is expected to not only uplift the school’s profile but also serve as a training hub for aspiring athletes from across the county
