Nandi:The Ministry of Sports has committed to scouting and nurturing top volleyball players from Nandi, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties for national teams and international competitions. This initiative follows the conclusion of an inter-county tournament, held as a precursor to Mashujaa Day celebrations.
According to Kenya News Agency, Roselyn Ouko, Secretary Administration in the State Department for Sports, represented Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, and the Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi, at the tournament. She announced that the Ministry would partner with sports federations to identify and provide opportunities for the best players to represent Kenya.
Ouko, speaking at the Koitaleel Samoei University College sports ground during the tournament finals, emphasized the competition’s role in talent identification and promoting fair play and unity among the participating counties. She congratulated the teams, referees, and officials for their successful organization of the event.
In the tournament, Nandi County excelled, winning both the men’s and women’s finals against Uasin Gishu. The men’s team secured a victory with a three-sets-to-one win, earning a trophy and a Sh500,000 cash prize. Their female counterparts, the Nandi Queens, achieved a three-sets-to-nil win, also claiming a trophy and Sh500,000. Uasin Gishu’s teams finished second in both categories, receiving Sh300,000 and a trophy, while Elgeyo Marakwet took third place and were awarded Sh200,000 and a trophy.
Rose Angira, Nandi County Government Chief Executive Committee Member for Sports, Youth Affairs, and Arts, described the tournament as a historic initiative fostering unity and sporting development across the region. She expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for encouraging inter-county interaction and national unity through sports.
Nandi County Commissioner Wilberforce Kilonzo praised the three counties for their participation and the Kenya Academy of Sports for training local referees. He highlighted the importance of enhancing officiating skills for the growth of volleyball and other sports.
The tournament brought together men’s and women’s volleyball teams from the three counties, promoting talent development, sportsmanship, and regional cooperation. Organizers are optimistic that this event will help identify promising players for higher-level competitions and international representation.
