President William Ruto has pledged to establish sports academies in all constituencies across the country to nurture talent among the youth.

Speaking on Friday, January 9, 2026, while inspecting the Mogotio Sports Academy in Baringo County, Ruto committed to improving sports infrastructure to tap into the varied sports talent amid the youth unemployment crisis bedevilling the country.

The Mogotio Sports Academy facility will feature an eight-lane athletics track, football and hockey pitches, as well as courts for handball, basketball, and volleyball.

Speaking on the project, Ruto said the government is committed to professionalising sport, an avenue perceived to solve the puzzle of joblessness among the country’s younger population.

Grassroots sports infrastructure

”We are establishing Constituency Sports Academies across Kenya to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots. This will give young people access to quality training, facilities, and clear pathways to professional sport,” he said.

On the same note, Ruto has announced that the national government will proceed with the construction works at the Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County to attain a 25,000-seat capacity ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations showpiece.

Speaking while attending the FCPA Fernandes Barasa Governor’s Cup at Bukhungu Stadium on Thursday, January 1, 2026, Ruto said his administration will improve nationwide sports infrastructure to tap into the talent and potential of the youth.

”We are building 21 modern stadia across the country to nurture the sporting talents of our young people. As part of this commitment, the Talanta Sports City Stadium will be completed later this year, delivering world-class sports infrastructure,” William Ruto said.

Bukhungu billions

As one of the venues to be considered for major competitions in the future, President Ruto said January 1, 2026, was the last day spectators will endure harsh weather conditions at Bukhungu Stadium, committing to take over duties from the Kakamega County Government, installing a canopy on the sporting facility and completing the remaining work at a tune of Ksh1.4 billion by the end of the year.

”To advance sports in the county, we have committed Ksh1.4 billion to complete Bukhungu Stadium. It will be a 25,000-seat facility, the largest in Western Kenya, and a strong base for sporting excellence. This investment is part of our wider plan for Kakamega County, where we have already committed KSh35 billion to accelerate development and improve livelihoods,” Ruto asserted.

He went ahead to add that after completion, Bukhungu Stadium will be the largest stadium in the entire Western region.