Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr joins the Makueni Sub-county Women's team in Celebrating Victory. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has called for increased budgetary allocation towards youth development, urging leaders across the county to prioritize sports as a key pillar for talent nurturing and social empowerment.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the MKJ Supa Cup held Thursday at Makueni Boys High School, the governor emphasized the need for structured investment in youth programmes, particularly in sports, to unlock the vast potential among young people.
Mutula challenged Members of the County Assembly to deliberately set aside funds—ranging between Ksh3 million to Ksh4 million per ward—to support youth-driven initiatives, noting that consistent financing would enable young talents to thrive.
“This must become our agenda. Wherever you come from, allocate resources and give these young people the opportunity to grow through sports,” he said.
The governor lauded the organizing team, led by County Executive Committee Member for Sports Sebastian Kyoni and Director Ambrose Kisoi, for successfully mobilizing sponsorships that boosted the tournament.
He revealed that the competition attracted close to Ksh1 million in sponsorship, with additional backing already secured for team kits ahead of the upcoming KYISA Games in Laikipia, courtesy of Green Life.
At the same time, Mutula highlighted the urgent need to improve sports infrastructure across the county, lamenting the poor state of existing playing grounds. While acknowledging ongoing efforts such as grass planting at the Wote Stadium, he noted that more investment is required to transform such fields into standard stadiums.
“It is unfortunate that our youth are still playing on substandard grounds. That must change,” he stated.
The governor also floated plans to establish a fully-fledged Makueni County team across various disciplines, including football, basketball, and volleyball, as part of a broader strategy to institutionalize sports development.
The MKJ Supa Cup 2026 finals delivered thrilling performances, with Kibwezi East men’s team crowned champions after a commanding 2-0 victory over Kilome. In the women’s category, Makueni Sub-county clinched the title following a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win against Mbooni.
The tournament serves as a scouting platform to assemble a county team that will represent Makueni at this year’s KYISA Games in Laikipia.
Mutula assured participating teams of the county’s full support ahead of the regional competition, urging them to remain disciplined and focused as they prepare to compete at a higher level.
He also commended fans from across the county for turning up in large numbers, noting that their support was instrumental in making the tournament a success.
As the curtain falls on this year’s edition, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to elevating sports into a transformative youth agenda—backed by proper funding, improved infrastructure, and sustained leadership support.
