Kisumu County Assembly, through its Budget Committee, has allocated funds to a new initiative dubbed the ‘Grassroot Support Programme,’ aimed at identifying and nurturing grassroots talents in football and other activities. This program will be implemented in collaboration with the Department of Sports.
Speaking at the 12th edition of the James Were Back to School Tournament finals on Sunday, January 5, Budget Committee Chairman Hon. Joakim Oketch Swagga emphasized the county’s commitment to empowering local talent.
“This year, the county has allocated funds to help identify and nurture grassroots talents in sporting activities such as football. These efforts are critical in providing opportunities for young people to develop their skills, explore professional opportunities, and earn a livelihood,” said Hon. Swagga, who also represents Kondele Ward in the Assembly.
Hon. Swagga highlighted the significance of grassroots football, noting its track record of producing talented players who advance to various leagues across the country.
“If you want to find raw talent, grassroots events like this are the place to be. Scouts from different clubs should tap into this pool of talent, and we, as a county, are ensuring the necessary resources are in place to support this through the ‘Grassroot Support Programme,’” he added.
The James Were Back to School Tournament, running for the past 14 years, has become a cornerstone of talent development in Kisumu. According to Hon. James Oyugi Were, the Member of County Assembly for Nyalenda B Ward and the tournament’s organizer, this year’s edition focused on keeping youth engaged during the holidays and providing opportunities for them to join professional clubs.
“This tournament is about nurturing talent while advocating for behavior change and socio-economic empowerment,” said Hon. Were.
The five-day tournament, held at Sirilanka Grounds in Nyalenda, culminated in an awards ceremony where winners received cash prizes, trophies, and sports gear. The first-place team took home Ksh. 50,000, uniforms, and a trophy. The second, third, and fourth positions received Ksh. 30,000, Ksh. 20,000, and Ksh. 10,000, respectively, along with other incentives.
The tournament was sponsored by the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Jackline Kemunto, CEO of LVSWWDA, praised the partnership, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to community development.
Additionally, the participation of local police teams in the tournament was lauded as a step toward fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
As Kisumu County steps up its efforts to develop local talent through programs like the ‘Grassroot Support Programme,’ it sets an inspiring example of how grassroots initiatives can drive socio-economic transformation.
