The newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs, Salim Mvurya, officially assumed office on January 7, 2025. In a ceremony held at Talanta House, Mvurya took over the docket from Kipchumba Murkomen, marking a significant moment in Kenya’s sports development journey.
The former Kwale County governor was previously the Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy before being reassigned to the Sports Ministry in President William Ruto’s recent cabinet reshuffle.
Salim Mvurya’s appointment as the Sports CS comes at a pivotal time for Kenya’s sports sector, with major international events such as CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 on the horizon.
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Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mvurya expressed his gratitude and optimism for the road ahead. “I want to announce today that I have taken over the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports,” he said.
The new CS praised his predecessors, including Ababu Namwamba and Kipchumba Murkomen, for laying a strong foundation. “As I take over, I want to congratulate the Principal Secretary, Peter Tum, and the senior team, including CS Kipchumba Murkomen and Ababu Namwamba, who was here before. They have set a solid foundation that we will build on,” Mvurya noted.
With only 24 days left before the CHAN tournament kicks off on February 1, 2025, Salim Mvurya reassured the nation that Kenya is well-prepared to co-host the event alongside Uganda and Tanzania. “I am very confident that Kenya will emerge as the best host for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027. Hosting these tournaments is an opportunity not just to profile our country but to showcase our leadership in the region,” he emphasized.
Mvurya’s confidence stems from a series of preparatory actions. The new Sports CS chaired a virtual meeting with his counterparts from Uganda and Tanzania to confirm readiness for the CHAN tournament.
Additionally, he conducted site visits to key facilities, including Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, and the training grounds at Ulinzi Complex and Police Sacco. “This morning, we inspected our sports facilities, and I am confident that Kenya is on track to deliver a successful tournament,” he stated.
In the Sports Department, the Government remains firmly on course to deliver on its priorities. Kenya is poised to host both the CHAN and AFCON tournaments, a testament to our readiness and growing confidence in our sports infrastructure.
I have expressed my confidence in the… pic.twitter.com/77LnrtUYIv
— H.E Salim_Mvurya, EGH. (@Waziri_Mvurya) January 7, 2025
The new CS called upon the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) leadership, led by Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga, to ensure the national team, Harambee Stars, is well-prepared for CHAN 2024. “Our football colleagues must prioritize the preparation of Harambee Stars so that our team can excel in this tournament. I am encouraged by their participation in the Mapinduzi Cup and hope to support them further as they aim for success,” he said.
Mvurya’s remarks underscore his commitment to working collaboratively with all stakeholders in the sports ecosystem. He emphasized the importance of unity and teamwork in achieving Kenya’s goals on and off the pitch.
Taking over the Sports Ministry comes with its set of challenges, particularly in light of the tight timeline for CHAN preparations. With Uganda and Tanzania also hosting parts of the tournament, Kenya must ensure seamless coordination to uphold its reputation as a reliable host.
However, Mvurya sees these challenges as opportunities to elevate Kenya’s profile in regional and international sports. “Hosting CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 is not just about sports; it’s about nation-building, tourism, and creating economic opportunities for Kenyans,” he noted.
Beyond CHAN and AFCON, Mvurya is keen on driving a transformative agenda for Kenya’s sports sector. He aims to enhance infrastructure, invest in youth development programs, and create a conducive environment for athletes to thrive. “Sports is not just about competition; it’s about nurturing talent and creating opportunities for our youth to shine on the global stage,” he said.
One of his immediate priorities is to address gaps in sports funding and governance. Mvurya plans to engage with private sector partners to mobilize resources and ensure sustainable support for various sports disciplines.
Kenya’s participation in CHAN 2024 and the ongoing Mapinduzi Cup highlights the country’s growing prowess in football. The Harambee Stars’ recent performances, including their 2-0 victory against Kilimanjaro Stars, demonstrate the team’s potential to compete at the highest levels.
The CHAN tournament offers a platform for local-based players to showcase their talent. Mvurya’s focus on collaboration with FKF and other stakeholders aims to ensure that Kenya fields a competitive team that will make the nation proud.
Mvurya acknowledged the vital role of fans in motivating the team. He urged Kenyans to rally behind the Harambee Stars and other national teams during the upcoming tournaments. “Our fans are the 12th player on the field. Their support is invaluable, and I encourage everyone to come out and cheer for our team,” he said.
The CHAN tournament also presents an opportunity to promote Kenya’s rich culture and hospitality. From vibrant fan zones to showcasing local cuisines and traditions, the event promises to be more than just a sporting spectacle.
Salim Mvurya’s assumption of office as the Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs marks a new chapter in Kenya’s sports development. With a clear vision and determination, he is set to steer the country towards hosting successful CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments. His emphasis on collaboration, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment underscores his commitment to transforming the sports sector.
As Kenya races against time to finalize preparations for CHAN 2024, the nation remains optimistic about its prospects. Under Mvurya’s leadership, Kenya’s sports future looks bright, promising a legacy of excellence and achievement for generations to come. Let the games begin!
