Government urged to invest in children’s talents early to secure their future

Hellen Gichuru, founder Royal Stars Academy - Ruiru

The government has been urged to invest in and closely monitor children’s talents from an early age to prevent them from going to waste, with stakeholders stressing that nurturing skills can shape futures and bring pride to the nation.

Speaking in Ruiru during the launch of the Royal Stars Volleyball Academy, which currently trains 25 children, education experts and community leaders said early talent development can transform young players into professionals and secure brighter futures.

Academy founder Hellen Gichuru said the facility will train children aged 7 to 16 until they are ready to play professionally and join established clubs locally and abroad.

“We launched this academy to grow volleyball talent among children. Today, sports are not just extra-curricular activities but careers that can put food on the table. The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is a step in the right direction since it allows children to explore their talents,” she said.

Gichuru, however, lamented the shortage of sports facilities, gyms and playgrounds, especially in peri-urban areas like Ruiru, noting that many children rely on well-wishers’ support to train.

Her remarks were echoed by Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Council Chair of Mount Kenya University (MKU), who warned that without proper support, children risk losing focus and turning to drug abuse.

“The government recently committed resources to football as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2025 African Nations Championships (CHAN). Similar support should be extended to volleyball and other sports, which also have the potential to create careers and raise the country’s profile,” he said.

Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Council Chair - Mount Kenya University

Dr. Gaitho further emphasized the promise of the creative industry, saying it can provide youth employment and nurture entrepreneurship in sports and the arts.

Community leader Emily Warutere also called for structured mentorship and guidance to help grassroots talent flourish.

“Many young people miss opportunities because they lack mentors. International institutions like Harvard award sports scholarships, a model our local universities and counties can borrow,” she said.

Warutere urged leaders and politicians to provide training facilities and equipment, while also encouraging communities to reward children excelling in non-academic activities such as sports, music, and drama. She appealed to parents to motivate their children to pursue their passions, noting that such involvement builds discipline and shields them from negative influences.

Stakeholders stressed that volleyball, like other sports, is a profession that can sustain livelihoods. They urged the government to support young athletes through scholarships, which would inspire them to work harder while easing financial strain on their families.

The launch of the Royal Stars Volleyball Academy was marked with optimism, with hopes that it will give children direction and opportunities away from destructive habits.

MKU’s College of Health Sciences offered free medical checkups and health awareness sessions, while the academy gifted players new uniforms branded with their names to motivate them in their training journey.