Sammy Owino ‘Kempes’, a former Kenyan international, has praised the government’s initiative, Talanta Hela, for providing Kenyan youth with opportunities to display their talents on an international stage.
This comes following Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba’s announcement that Kenya will participate in all Youth World Cup qualifiers this year, a first in the nation’s history.
Namwamba emphasized the importance of investing in youth and grassroots programs as part of a structured effort to rejuvenate Kenyan football. Owino, who benefited from the Olympic Youth Development program in the 1970s, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the necessity of a strong foundation and infrastructure for the sport’s growth in Kenya.
Owino believes that the collaboration between the government, football federation, and corporate sponsors is crucial for establishing sustainable youth structures. He advocates for the creation of youth leagues and tournaments like Chapa Dimba to foster talent development.
While acknowledging the government’s role and corporate contributions, Owino insists on a focused approach towards a robust future for football in Kenya. He suggests that youth development centers and leagues should aim for comprehensive talent cultivation.
Furthermore, Owino recommends integrating football development into the school curriculum, with the Ministry of Education playing a significant role.
He argues that such grassroots initiatives will not only enhance the quality of local leagues but also bolster the national teams’ performance. Additionally, he calls for greater attention to the development of young coaches and referees to support the sport’s ecosystem.
