Maluki renews call for sustainable investment in grassroots sports

Maluki, who spoke during Nguna Cup finals in Mwingi West, said Kenya’s continued success on the continental and global stage depends on deliberate efforts to identify, nurture and retain talent from the lowest levels, rather than focusing only on elite athletes.

“We are going to develop a much more elaborate programme whereby we are going to encompass all other disciplines, grow them and ensure that they truly develop through the small spaces that have been created at the grassroots,” Maluki said

The NOC-K boss noted that community tournaments, school competitions and county leagues play a critical role in exposing young athletes to structured competition, while also creating pathways into national teams.

According to Maluki, many promising talents are lost due to lack of organised platforms, proper facilities and consistent funding at the grassroots level.

“We want to see more disciplines at the LA 2028. If we start early then it means Kenya can even qualify a football team to the Olympics for the first time.”

The NOCK president also challenged county governments to invest more in sports infrastructure, coaching education and regular competitions, describing devolution as a key opportunity to strengthen sports development across the country.

He also called on national federations to align their talent identification programmes with schools and community initiatives.

Maluki further emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including the private sector, to ensure sustainability of grassroots programmes.

He said sports should not only be viewed as a competitive pursuit but also as a tool for youth empowerment, social cohesion and economic opportunity.

“As NOCK, we believe that if the foundation is strong, the results at the elite level will take care of themselves,” he added.

The renewed call comes as Kenya seeks to maintain its dominance in athletics while expanding competitiveness across other sporting disciplines.

Meanwhile, Thitani FC and Kairungu Starlets emerged victorious in the 23rd edition of Nguna Cup, securing well-deserved titles in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Kairungu Starlets reclaimed the gong they last won in 2022 after edging Nguni Sirens 1-0 in a 2023 rematch while Thitani FC clinched their first ever men’s title following a 1-0 win over Musuani Shooters.

As the tournament champions, Thitani walked away with Ksh 300,000, while Musuani Shooters received Ksh. 200,000. The women’s champions walked away with Ksh. 100,000.

Area MP and the tournament’s patron, Charles Ngusya Nguna, lauded the annual championship for continuing to churn out talents that include Police FC’s striker Eric Ngava Zakayo, who was scouted by his former club Tusker FC in 2019.

Also in attendance were Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba and Harambee Stars defender Aboud Omar.