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Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, in a past address. PHOTO|COURTESY
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has reaffirmed the Governmentโs commitment to empowering young Kenyans by nurturing their talents through the new initiative aimed at transforming lives from the grassroots level.
Speaking during the official launch of Ishiara FCโs Three-Year Strategic Plan at Mayo Stadium in Mbeere North, Embu County, CS Ruku emphasized that youth talent development remains a priority under President William Rutoโs administration.
He outlined the governmentโs plan to establish Talanta Centres, specialized hubs designed to identify, develop, and promote talent across various disciplines, describing the initiative as a long-term investment in Kenyaโs future, noting that unlocking the potential of young people in sports, the arts, and other fields would not only transform individual lives but also uplift communities.
โWe have a robust national plan to support talent,โ he said. โThe Talanta Centres will serve as springboards for the youth to realize their full potential. President Ruto is fully committed to ensuring that no talent goes to waste.โ
Ruku reiterated that the government will not waver from this mission and called upon local leaders, community members, and the private sector to rally behind the initiative.
โThere is nothing better we can give our young people than the opportunity to succeed through their talents. We must all support this noble mandate,โ he said.
During his address, the Cabinet Secretary also took the opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of Ishiara FC, who finished the 2024/25 season at the top of the FKF Division 2 Northern Zone Pool B with an impressive 89 points.
He congratulated the team's achievement as a testament to discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He also wished them success in their upcoming playoff match in Mombasa against the Zone A leaders.
โThis is not just a sporting milestone, it is a demonstration of what focused, community-driven youth initiatives can achieve,โ he noted.
The launch of Ishiara FCโs Three-Year Strategic Plan was praised by Ruku as a bold and timely move that will ensure the sustainable growth and professionalisation of the club.
He commended the plan for going beyond football to embrace broader goals of youth empowerment, social transformation, and economic development.
โThis plan is a model of community development through sport,โ Ruku said. โIt shows how sports organizations can become powerful drivers of social change and local progress.โ
He also highlighted several elements of the strategic plan that align with national development objectives.
These include the fencing of Mayo Stadium to boost revenue collection and enhance sustainability, the construction of a Sports House to improve player welfare, the acquisition of a team bus to enhance logistics, and the introduction of new team jerseys and merchandising to strengthen branding and commercial growth.
The plan also encompasses youth talent development programs and community engagement efforts, such as anti-drug abuse campaigns, positioning Ishiara FC as a key player in promoting healthy lifestyles and social responsibility within Embu County.
According to Ruku, Ishiara FCโs strategic approach aligns closely with the governmentโs broader mandate as outlined in Executive Order No. 1 of 2025.
He stated that through institutions such as the National Youth Service (NYS), the government remains committed to supporting sports development, entrepreneurship, and youth skills training.
โThe strategic focus adopted by Ishiara FC speaks directly to our national priorities. It reflects the kind of innovative, youth-centered thinking we hope to replicate across the country,โ he explained.
CS Ruku further stated that the Ministry, through NYS, will collaborate with the Ministry of Sports and other relevant agencies to support and nurture youth talents.
He emphasized that such multi-agency partnerships are vital to creating a national ecosystem that provides structured pathways for young people to grow their abilities and access opportunities.
He urged corporate sponsors, local leaders, and development partners to support the transformative agenda of youth empowerment through sport.
โOur youth need more than just motivationโthey need real opportunity and we are committed to delivering that,โ he said.
The CS further described Ishiara FC as more than just a football club, calling it a symbol of hope and resilience for the youth of Embu and beyond.
โLet us all rally behind this vision. Because when we invest in our youth, we invest in our future. Congratulations once again to Ishiara FC. We walk with you on this journey, from the pitch of Mayo Stadium to the heights of Division 1 and beyond.โ
ยฉCitizen Digital, Kenya
Continue reading...
- He outlined the governmentโs plan to establish Talanta Centres, specialized hubs designed to identify, develop, and promote talent across various disciplines.
- He noted that unlocking the potential of young people in sports, the arts, and other fields would not only transform individual lives but also uplift communities.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, in a past address. PHOTO|COURTESY
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has reaffirmed the Governmentโs commitment to empowering young Kenyans by nurturing their talents through the new initiative aimed at transforming lives from the grassroots level.
Speaking during the official launch of Ishiara FCโs Three-Year Strategic Plan at Mayo Stadium in Mbeere North, Embu County, CS Ruku emphasized that youth talent development remains a priority under President William Rutoโs administration.
He outlined the governmentโs plan to establish Talanta Centres, specialized hubs designed to identify, develop, and promote talent across various disciplines, describing the initiative as a long-term investment in Kenyaโs future, noting that unlocking the potential of young people in sports, the arts, and other fields would not only transform individual lives but also uplift communities.
โWe have a robust national plan to support talent,โ he said. โThe Talanta Centres will serve as springboards for the youth to realize their full potential. President Ruto is fully committed to ensuring that no talent goes to waste.โ
Ruku reiterated that the government will not waver from this mission and called upon local leaders, community members, and the private sector to rally behind the initiative.
โThere is nothing better we can give our young people than the opportunity to succeed through their talents. We must all support this noble mandate,โ he said.
During his address, the Cabinet Secretary also took the opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of Ishiara FC, who finished the 2024/25 season at the top of the FKF Division 2 Northern Zone Pool B with an impressive 89 points.
He congratulated the team's achievement as a testament to discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He also wished them success in their upcoming playoff match in Mombasa against the Zone A leaders.
โThis is not just a sporting milestone, it is a demonstration of what focused, community-driven youth initiatives can achieve,โ he noted.
The launch of Ishiara FCโs Three-Year Strategic Plan was praised by Ruku as a bold and timely move that will ensure the sustainable growth and professionalisation of the club.
He commended the plan for going beyond football to embrace broader goals of youth empowerment, social transformation, and economic development.
โThis plan is a model of community development through sport,โ Ruku said. โIt shows how sports organizations can become powerful drivers of social change and local progress.โ
He also highlighted several elements of the strategic plan that align with national development objectives.
These include the fencing of Mayo Stadium to boost revenue collection and enhance sustainability, the construction of a Sports House to improve player welfare, the acquisition of a team bus to enhance logistics, and the introduction of new team jerseys and merchandising to strengthen branding and commercial growth.
The plan also encompasses youth talent development programs and community engagement efforts, such as anti-drug abuse campaigns, positioning Ishiara FC as a key player in promoting healthy lifestyles and social responsibility within Embu County.
According to Ruku, Ishiara FCโs strategic approach aligns closely with the governmentโs broader mandate as outlined in Executive Order No. 1 of 2025.
He stated that through institutions such as the National Youth Service (NYS), the government remains committed to supporting sports development, entrepreneurship, and youth skills training.
โThe strategic focus adopted by Ishiara FC speaks directly to our national priorities. It reflects the kind of innovative, youth-centered thinking we hope to replicate across the country,โ he explained.
CS Ruku further stated that the Ministry, through NYS, will collaborate with the Ministry of Sports and other relevant agencies to support and nurture youth talents.
He emphasized that such multi-agency partnerships are vital to creating a national ecosystem that provides structured pathways for young people to grow their abilities and access opportunities.
He urged corporate sponsors, local leaders, and development partners to support the transformative agenda of youth empowerment through sport.
โOur youth need more than just motivationโthey need real opportunity and we are committed to delivering that,โ he said.
The CS further described Ishiara FC as more than just a football club, calling it a symbol of hope and resilience for the youth of Embu and beyond.
โLet us all rally behind this vision. Because when we invest in our youth, we invest in our future. Congratulations once again to Ishiara FC. We walk with you on this journey, from the pitch of Mayo Stadium to the heights of Division 1 and beyond.โ
ยฉCitizen Digital, Kenya
Continue reading...
