Football Community in Garissa County Demands Sports Reform

Representatives from registered football clubs in Garissa County gathered at Garissa Primary grounds to express their profound dissatisfaction with the management of the sports sector by the county government.

The stakeholders articulated a range of concerns, including neglect, exclusion, and mismanagement, which they believe are impeding the progress of football in the region.

“Often, they clash with stakeholders because they lack any framework for collaborating with independent sports organizations,” lamented one stakeholder.

Criticism was directed towards the Department of Sports, with stakeholders highlighting the absence of any formulated policy or bill presented to the Garissa County Assembly in the twelve years since devolution.

They underscored the department’s lack of a framework for cooperation with independent sports organizations, leading to frequent clashes with stakeholders.

In particular, stakeholders denounced the Department of Sports for failing to support Nurdin Ibrahim, who was unfairly excluded from the national U19 Talanta Hela team despite his skill and rightful place in the squad.

“The Department of Sports has failed to support Nurdin Ibrahim following his unjust exclusion from the selected team of the national U19 Talanta Hela despite his prowess and rightful place in the team,” read a statement issued by the stakeholders.

Additionally, concerns were raised about favoritism towards a single club in the Youth Intercounty Sports Association (KYISA) Games, once a platform for talent development and community engagement.

“The Department of Sports has failed to support Nurdin Ibrahim following his unjust exclusion from the selected team of the national U19 Talanta Hela despite his prowess and rightful place in the team,” read parts of their statement.

The stakeholders lamented the insufficient 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 therefore urge the Governor to intervene urgently and reassess the individuals he appointed to this ministry and make the necessary changes,” urged another stakeholder.

“As a matter of urgency, we also call on the Governor to appoint a competent chief officer among the nominees, two of whom are known to have a strong background in sports.”

Calling for urgent intervention from Governor Nathif Jama, the stakeholders demanded a reevaluation 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.