Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has said the government is committed to making Sports, Arts and Creatives a central pillar in education and national development.
Speaking at Irunduni, Tharaka Nithi County, where he met more than 5,000 grassroots sports officials and club representatives from Embu, Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties, Kindiki said the Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) reforms will now allow Senior School students to specialize in the pathway beginning January 2026.
The Deputy President said the government is investing heavily in sports infrastructure to support the reforms.
He cited the upgrading of Nyayo Stadium (18,000 capacity) and Kasarani Stadium (48,000 capacity) to international standards, which enabled Kenya to host CHAN 2024.
He added that the Sh 45 billion 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City will be completed in January 2026 in time for AFCON 2027.
He noted that the Kenya Kwanza administration is also constructing modern stadia in Kakamega, Bungoma, Homa Bay, Meru, Embu, Kitui, Kirinyaga and Kwale counties, while 38 of the targeted 290 Sports Academies are already under construction.
In addition, the Kenya Academy of Sports is being reconstituted into the Kenya Academy for Sports, the Arts and Creatives.
Kindiki said the government is working with federations and stakeholders to motivate and develop talent in all disciplines including football, volleyball, basketball, netball, athletics, darts, rugby, swimming and sitting volleyball for persons with disabilities.
He urged grassroots leaders to use their influence to instill positive values in society and discourage vices such as violence, alcoholism and drug abuse.
“These reforms are not just about facilities, but about investing in young people, growing their talents and ensuring sportsmen and women contribute to national development,” the Deputy President said.
