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Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has vowed to champion early talent scouting in order to develop Kenyan sporting talents, especially in football and athletics.

The DP made the comment after he visited Germany’s Paul Renz Akademie Academy, which has been in existence for over 100 years.

Gachagua delighted

“Early detection and nurturing of talent is crucial in shaping and catapulting young professionals to the international stage. This has worked well in developed nations, which are reaping the benefits of careers in football and other sports.

“On Saturday, (October 29, 2023), I was delighted to visit the Paul Renz Akademie FC in Augsburg, Germany. The club, which has been in existence since 1907, has been enhancing the skills and talents of children as young as 10 years old in soccer,” Gachagua said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

In light of what he learned at the academy, whose core duty is to harness German talents at early stages, Gachagua said the government will push for technical and infrastructural investment in order to help achieve the dream of nurturing talents.

“Kenya is a renowned home of champions, especially in athletics. We have also produced professional footballers playing internationally.

“We are investing more in providing technical and infrastructural support to our young players,” the former Mathira Member of Parliament added.

Exchange programmes

The DP further revealed plans that will involve tournament exchanges.

“That is why we are seeking partnerships in setting up similar facilities, as we also initiate tournament exchange opportunities. It was a pleasure and a learning moment having a conversation with the leadership of the club and the coaches,” he added.

Gachagua was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, Baringo Central MP Joshua Kandie, and Kenya’s Ambassador to Germany, Tom Amolo, as they also visited Gersthofen Mayor Michael Woerle.

The DP has been out of the country on an official overseas trip that also saw him land in Belgium.