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Former Cabinet Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya has spoken just a day following his reassignment to the Ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs and Creative Economy.

In a statement on December 20, 2024, Mvurya expressed his appreciation for President William Ruto, noting that he would serve his new docket to help in achieving the Kenya-Kwanza manifesto.

“I am truly honoured and humbled by H.E. President William Ruto’s trust in reassigning me to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports,” Mvurya said.

“As I transition to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, I am eager to collaborate with stakeholders to empower the youth through employment and skills development, spur the creative economy to drive innovation and job creation, and promote sports as a tool for national unity and economic growth, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the country.”

Third docket in 2 years

Mvurya was first appointed as the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs before being moved to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry in August 2024.

In the new changes, the two-term former Kwale County Governor now moves to the Sports docket which was previously held by Ababu Namwamba before the July 11, 2024, shakeup transferred it to Kipchumba Murkomen.

Murkomen has been appointed to the influential Ministry of Interior and National Administration following the promotion of Kithure Kindiki to the position of Deputy President.

Sports Ministry intrigues

Mvurya joins the Sports Ministry at a time when the country is in a rush to beat the deadline of readying at least two stadiums for the upcoming CHAN football tournaments which will be held in the East African region in February 2024.

On Thursday, December 19, 2024, Murkomen assured that preparations at the Nyao and Kasarani Stadiums were commendable ahead of the planned tournament.

He noted that while on his routine inspection of the two facilities on Thursday, he was impressed by the pace and quality of the ongoing work.

“We are racing against time to make Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium ready for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments. In my routine inspection of the two facilities today, I was impressed by the pace and quality of the ongoing works,” Murkomen stated.

He further stated that the construction workers had assured him that even beyond their call of duty, they had a personal desire to deliver the facilities in time for the two tournaments.

“The progress reassures me that we are on track to meet the deadlines set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The construction workers assured me that even beyond their call of duty, they have a personal desire to deliver the facilities in time for two tournaments for the pride of our nation,” Murkomen assured.