Migori County sports stakeholders have called on the County government to construct more playgrounds as a way of nurturing sports talents in the county.
The stakeholders say that most talents have gone to waste as a result of the government taking a low profile in promoting such talents, making the youth remain inactive on their talents.
Speaking at the just concluded football tournament that brought more than 15 teams from the constituency, Erick Jalang’o faulted both National and County governments for taking such a low profile on sports.
“It is unfortunate for us that the government does so little in promoting sports talents, especially at the grassroots level, making the youth not realize their full potential as far as sports talent is concerned,” said Jalang’o.
Jalang’o who has been at the frontline in organizing sports tournaments aimed at nurturing such talents, he said that most playgrounds are not standardized, making them rely on schools.
He added that it becomes more challenging during the rainy season when most of the pitches used for such sporting activities are muddy, making players prone to injuries.
“As a county government, we have done very less in terms of good playgrounds. Since devolution, I believe only a few Counties have tried improving on this,” Jalang’o added.
He urged the County government to make sports a priority, which in the long run will be a source of income for more youths who cannot get white-collar jobs.
“We humbly request the County government to scout for a land per sub-county and construct a standard playground where such games can be played especially when schools are on course,” said Jalang’o.
Currently, Migori County has only one stadium which hosts Migori Youth Football Club, playing at the National Super Cup level.
The stadium has been known for hosting various sports and other events which makes it overused and addition of more stadiums in the county therefore, will be a relief to the stadium and a win for the County.
Ahead of the just concluded tournament, Migori County stadium hosted Governor Ochilo Tournament finals which was graced by hundreds of spectators who cheered their teams despite the rains.
The stakeholders also drummed for the improvement of Migori Stadium which lacks changing rooms for players and shades to cushion fans from the scorching sun and sometimes, heavy rains.
Jalang’o also drummed for Jumbo FC playground for Suna West Sub County which according to him, is centrally placed apart from it being a level pitch and has so far been used to host such tournaments.
Jalang’o added that the football teams at the grassroots have been vital when scouting for players in the National Super League and Kenyan Premier League having produced Fred Odhiambo who currently plays at MOFA FC.
His sentiment was echoed by Nelson Wasonga, Chief Officer for ICT, E-Governance and Innovation, Migori County who confirmed the underway plans to build sports centers.
In his response, he said that Migori County has plans to build at least a stadium per Sub County as a way of making sports an income-generating earner for the youth.
“As a County, the Department of Sports has plans to put up stadia in all the eight Sub Counties because we value talents and hope that the youth will be actively involved in this,” said Wasonga.
Biko Steve 
IAN BYRON