Kakamega ramps up sports development ahead of AFCON 2027
Kakamega County is intensifying efforts to nurture and elevate local sporting talent as it prepares to host matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The county’s Department of Youth, Sports and Library Services, led by Chief Officer Lawrence Mukoyani and County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Jackline Masicha, says the past year in office has delivered a string of milestones for the sports sector.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing renovation at Bukhungu Stadium, Mukoyani expressed confidence that construction to bring the facility up to international standard would be completed by December this year, ahead of next year’s tournament.
He said that once the finishing touches are complete, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will carry out a thorough inspection to determine whether the stadium meets the required standards to host continental matches.
Bukhungu Stadium has been identified as a potential training ground for the tournament. Mukoyani said that if it is certified fit for purpose, Kakamega residents and football fans will not only get to host AFCON but also watch participating teams train at the venue.
The chief officer credited his department with identifying and nurturing the region’s sporting talent, particularly in football and other disciplines. He also praised his close working relationship with CECM Masicha, noting that their joint efforts had introduced an inter-departmental sports competition that served as a build-up to the KICOSCA Games, in which the county fielded a full contingent in Siaya.
Mukoyani said sport gives young people a platform to build networks that support both their athletic careers and their broader livelihoods. He noted that the county has held sporting initiatives across its wards to identify and nurture talent, further raising Kakamega’s sporting profile.
A Packed Sporting Calendar
Kakamega has recently staged one of the most successful editions of the Governor’s Cup, alongside events including Granny’s Soccer, Women’s Football, and the county’s first-ever drifting motorsport event, initiatives Mukoyani says have helped engage young people and reward their commitment to sport.
“Our department has strengthened partnerships with various organisations to promote sport, with notable collaboration on the Gospel Soccer Mega Tournament held with Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM), an event that culminated in a successful final,” he said.
The county has also partnered with Kakamega School alumni to host the Super 8 tournament at Bukhungu Stadium, and hosted the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) Games, an inter-school championship Mukoyani described as one of the county’s greatest sporting achievements.
Talent Pipeline Bearing Fruit
On talent development, Mukoyani said the Governor’s Cup and similar competitions have opened doors for local athletes both regionally and beyond. He highlighted four footballers who have earned scholarships to football academies in the United States through a programme supported by legendary footballer Bob Yugi.
He added that the National Super League and Division Two clubs have also scouted several young players from the county, a development he attributed to the leadership of Governor Fernandez Barasa.
“My message to young talents pursuing careers in sport and other fields is to remain focused: eat and sleep well, train consistently, and steer clear of drugs and substance abuse. Discipline and commitment are essential to achieving success,” Mukoyani said.
