The former Cabinet Secretary for EAC, ASALs and Regional Development has congratulated the girls of Ikutha High School for their exceptional performance at the just-concluded FEASSA Games held in Tanzania, where the school emerged third overall.
Speaking today during a leaders’ consultative meeting at Ikutha Market, the former CS commended the students, teachers and parents for their dedication and hard work. She recalled that during her school days in the 1990s, the school had already established itself as a strong force in basketball.
She also congratulated the “Queen of Jumps” from Mathima for her impressive performance, having finished third in the long jump and fourth in the triple jump.
The former CS noted that Kitui County is endowed with exceptional young talent across various disciplines, including ball games, athletics, music and dance. She expressed her determination to establish stronger mechanisms for identifying, nurturing and commercialising these talents if elected Governor of Kitui County in 2027.
She observed that the region has not fully exploited the God-given talents of its young people, despite the potential to create high-paying employment opportunities and transform the lives of talented youth.
She cited the athletes’ mentorship programme she initiated during her tenure as Deputy Governor in Kivyuni–Mutha Ward. The programme has helped nurture young athletes, including one from the region who went on to become an athlete in Japan and is now earning a living through sport.
She further noted that the same mentorship programme has contributed to the development of the “Queen of Jumps” from Mathima-Mutha ward, who has just represented Kenya in EAC competitions and is expected to compete in the forthcoming ANOCA African campionship Games in Senegal in October 2026.
The former CS thanked the teachers, parents and fellow students for their unwavering support and commitment to the athletes’ success.
She also commended H.E. the President for the work being undertaken to develop stadia across the country, noting that the facilities will provide important centres of excellence for identifying, training and nurturing Kenya’s sporting talent.
She said Kitui’s young people have immense potential and pledged to make talent development a key priority in unlocking opportunities for the county’s youth.
