Representatives from registered football clubs in Garissa County convened at Garissa Primary grounds to express their profound discontent with the county government’s handling of the sports sector.
The stakeholders aired a variety of grievances, including neglect, exclusion, and mismanagement, which they argue are hampering football development in the area.
“There’s constant friction with stakeholders due to the lack of a cooperation framework with independent sports organizations,” one stakeholder lamented.
The Department of Sports bore the brunt of criticism, with stakeholders pointing out the absence of any formulated policy or bill sent to the Garissa County Assembly in the twelve years since devolution.
They emphasized the department’s failure to establish a cooperation framework with independent sports organizations, resulting in frequent clashes with stakeholders.
Stakeholders particularly criticized the Department of Sports for its failure to support Nurdin Ibrahim, unjustly excluded from the national U19 Talanta Hela team despite his skill and rightful place in the squad.
“The Department of Sports has neglected to support Nurdin Ibrahim after his unjust exclusion from the national U19 Talanta Hela team, despite his talent and rightful spot in the team,” a statement from the stakeholders read.
Concerns were also raised about favoritism toward a single club in the Youth Intercounty Sports Association (KYISA) Games, which was once a platform for talent development and community engagement.
“The Department of Sports has neglected to support Nurdin Ibrahim after his unjust exclusion from the national U19 Talanta Hela team, despite his talent and rightful spot in the team,” parts of their statement read.
Stakeholders lamented the inadequate support for ongoing football leagues across sub-counties, citing the department’s failure to provide essential resources such as referee fees. Despite assurances, requested referees and coaching training have yet to materialize, hindering the professional development of key stakeholders and undermining the overall quality of football in Garissa.
“We urge the Governor to intervene urgently and reconsider the individuals appointed to this ministry and make necessary changes,” urged another stakeholder.
“We also call on the Governor to appoint a competent chief officer from among the nominees, two of whom have a strong background in sports.”
Stakeholders demanded urgent intervention from Governor Nathif Jama, calling for a reassessment of appointed officials within the sports ministry and the appointment of a competent chief officer with a background in sports.
They announced plans for daily protests starting on Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, to demand government accountability and reforms within the sports department.
Efforts to address the grievances of the football community through engagement with the Department of Gender, Social Services, Culture, Youth, and Sports, led by Hawa Abdi, have proven futile. Garissa County continues to face delays in hiring chief officers more than a year and a half after the August 2022 General Election, stemming from a disagreement between Governor Nathif Jama and the County Public Service Board.
The recruitment of chief officers for Sports is essential for enhancing access to sports facilities, organizing leagues, and providing training for coaches and referees, remains stalled.