Governor Fatuma Achani speaks in an interview in Kinango, Kwale County.
BY SHABAN OMAR
Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has called on local leaders and stakeholders to prioritize investments in sports to address social challenges affecting the youth, such as drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, and crime.
Speaking at a sports event at Mwangoni in Kinango sub-county, Achani said sports has the transformative power in shaping young lives, fostering discipline, and unlocking untapped potential.
The governor noted that the youth in Kwale and across the country face various challenges, including limited access to employment opportunities and constructive engagement, which often drive them toward destructive behaviors.
She pointed out that sports offer a solution by engaging young people in productive activities, building their confidence, and providing them with platforms to showcase their talents.
“Sports are not just a recreational activity; they are a tool for social change. When we invest in sports, we are investing in the future of our youth. We are creating a society where our young people are focused on achieving their goals and avoiding social vices such as drug abuse and early pregnancies,” said Achani.
The Governor urged leaders to adopt a collective approach in developing sports infrastructure and organizing regular competitions to keep the youth engaged.
She said it is vital for every leader to think of the development of the youth by ensuring they have the necessary sports facilities, proper sports gear, and providing mentorship programs to guide aspiring athletes.
Achani also encouraged local leaders to collaborate with private entities and non-governmental organizations to establish sustainable sports initiatives.
“When we come together as leaders, parents, and community members, we can create an enabling environment for our youth to thrive,” she said.
Achani said the community must look at sports as a tool for development, a means to nurture talent, and a way to provide alternatives to the negative influences surrounding young people.
Achani said through sports, many youth have earned scholarships, secured professional contracts, and gained recognition at national and international levels.
She also urged parents to encourage their children to participate in sports and avoid stigmatizing sports as an activity for the academically non-gifted.
The governor stressed the need to balance academics and extracurricular activities, arguing that sports often open doors to opportunities that extend beyond physical activity.
Achani mentioned the importance of integrating sports with education and health initiatives to ensure holistic development for the youth.
She said that engaging in sports helps to improve physical and mental health, reduce stress, and build teamwork and leadership skills.
Achani said the qualities are essential for creating a well-rounded individual capable of contributing positively to society.
The county boss reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure as part of its youth empowerment agenda.
She noted that the county is actively improving and constructing new sports facilities across all wards to provide a conducive environment where young people can showcase and nurture their talents.
Achani said the county has made a milestone achievements in the sports sector, particularly the completion of the state-of-the-art Kwale Stadium.
She said rhe stadium, built to meet national and international standards, is a landmark project that underscores Kwale’s commitment to elevating sports as a key driver of social and economic development.
“The completion of the Kwale Stadium is a significant milestone for our county. It demonstrates our dedication to creating world-class facilities that will not only benefit our youth but also attract high-profile tournaments and events,” she said.
Achani said that the sports facilities are designed to inspire young people to focus on their goals, stay away from social vices, and build successful careers in sports.
The governor emphasized that investing in infrastructure alone is not enough and called for the organization of regular tournaments, talent identification programs, and training camps to fully utilize the facilities and develop local talent.
She said the county aims to make sports accessible to every youth in Kwale, in both urban areas and remote villages.
The governor also expressed optimism that improved sports facilities would boost the county’s economy by creating job opportunities and promoting sports tourism.
She called on all leaders in Kwale to allocate resources to sports development and actively participate in promoting youth-centered activities.
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