Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson says his administration wants to use sports to nurture talent, create jobs and stimulate economic growth as the English Premier League trophy visits City Hall.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming sports into a source of employment, talent development and economic opportunities for young people.
Sakaja made the remarks while welcoming the English Premier League (EPL) trophy to City Hall during a courtesy visit by a Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) delegation led by Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo.
The visit celebrated football’s ability to unite people across different backgrounds, with the governor highlighting Nairobi’s deep passion for the English Premier League.
“We welcome the most famous trophy to City Hall. Nairobi takes the Premier League very seriously, and I can say that for sure,” Sakaja said.
He described how football brings people together across the capital, with fans gathering in homes, entertainment venues and public spaces to support their favourite clubs.
“On a Saturday afternoon, you will find fans everywhere watching football and supporting different teams, turning strangers into friends through 90 minutes of an emotional journey,” he added.
Sakaja Wants Sports to Create Jobs for Young People
The governor said sports could contribute to Nairobi’s economic development beyond entertainment and competition.
His administration wants to strengthen opportunities for young people to develop their talents while creating employment across the wider sports industry.
These opportunities can extend beyond players to include coaches, referees, event organisers, sports journalists, fitness professionals and businesses supporting sporting activities.
Football also attracts commercial activity through broadcasting, hospitality, merchandise, sponsorships and match-day events.
Sakaja’s remarks reflect the growing emphasis on sports as a potential avenue for youth empowerment and economic participation.
However, turning that potential into lasting opportunities requires investment in facilities, grassroots competitions, training programmes and sustainable partnerships.
KBL Delegation Highlights Football’s Unifying Power
The EPL trophy’s visit to City Hall formed part of an engagement between Nairobi County and a KBL delegation led by Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo.
The visit highlighted football’s broad appeal in Kenya, where supporters follow clubs from England’s top-flight league alongside local teams.
The Premier League has developed a substantial following across the country, with matches attracting audiences in homes, restaurants, pubs and other viewing venues.
For businesses, that enthusiasm creates opportunities to engage football fans through sponsorships, promotions and sporting events.
The City Hall visit also provided a platform to discuss the relationship between sports, business and community engagement.
Nairobi’s Sports Ambitions
Nairobi has a large population of young people with interests and talents across football and other sporting disciplines.
Developing that talent requires accessible playing fields, quality coaching, organised competitions and pathways that enable gifted athletes to progress to professional levels.
A stronger sports ecosystem can also support small businesses and create work for people involved in event management, media, equipment supply and sports facilities.
Sakaja’s commitment places these opportunities within the wider discussion about youth employment and the role of sports in the capital’s development.
The challenge will be translating the stated ambitions into programmes that reach young people across Nairobi’s neighbourhoods and deliver measurable results.
As the EPL trophy made its appearance at City Hall, the visit offered a reminder of football’s popularity in the capital and the economic opportunities that could emerge from investing in the wider sports sector.
