Kitui County Government has unveiled plans for the first-ever Governor’s Cup tournament, a landmark sporting initiative aimed at nurturing young talent, fostering peace, and enhancing unity among communities.
Speaking during a media briefing, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Culture, Gender, and ICT, Phoebe Mutemi, said the tournament is part of Governor Dr. Julius Malombe’s broader agenda of empowering youth through sports, in line with his manifesto.
“In the sports sector, we are not only improving infrastructure but also creating opportunities for our young people. So far, 21 playgrounds have been completed across the county under Governor Malombe’s leadership. The Governor’s Cup will be another platform to scout and mature talent,” Mutemi noted.
The tournament will feature a structured competition across three levels—village, ward, and sub-county—before culminating in a countywide showdown. Registration will begin at the grassroots level, with villages presenting teams to advance through the stages.
Targeting boys and girls aged between 18 and 25 years, the Governor’s Cup goes beyond sports by promoting peace, combating drug abuse, fostering community cohesion, and addressing mental health challenges among the youth.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Kitui Branch Vice Chairman, Gilbert Mutema, assured the public of professionalism in the games, stating that all matches will be officiated by trained referees.
“This tournament will give our young players a chance to showcase their abilities while encouraging sportsmanship and unity,” Mutema emphasized.
The Governor’s Cup is expected to become an annual event, opening pathways for young people in Kitui County to develop their sporting careers while strengthening social harmony.