Curtains Draw For Francis Kibet Tournament As Schools Reopen

By Isabella Maua

Residents of Kamuneru in Kapkateny Ward, Mount Elgon Sub County, have expressed their joy after ‘The Francis Kibet Tournament’ held its final matches on Sunday at Kamuneru Primary School.

In his address to parents, teachers, and pupils who either played or attended to watch the matches, Kibet divulged that he was touched by the rising number of boys and girls dropping out of school in the area.

“Many girls have foregone education to become parents at a very tender age because of teenage pregnancies; our boys and youths have become idlers in our markets thanks to drug and substance abuse,” highlighted Kibet.

Parents who had come to witness the tournament also lauded the project, which is set to be held during every school holiday.

Violet Chepkurui, a resident of Kipsoen, observed that since the commencement of the tournament when schools closed, the rate of theft in the area has greatly declined.

“As a parent, I can attest that our youths have had great engagements by participating in these games; children and parents alike have had productive interactions with each other,” she reiterated.

John Shikuku, an educationist and political aspirant, appreciated the undeterred efforts of the youth who played in the bad weather on slippery, muddy ground.

“We shall engage our leaders to ensure we give the teams around jerseys and balls to nurture their talents, and above all, this field should be well constructed and structured to ensure it meets quality standards for our players to train comfortably,” he cited.

The occasion was also graced by Bungoma County Assembly Clerk Dr. Leonard Mamos, who pledged to support the talented teams and sponsor them for trials in Bungoma so that they could gain exposure and experience through interaction with other teams.

Conclusively, Kibet awarded all participating teams and called upon girls and women to brace themselves for a colourful tournament when schools close for the December holiday.