Isiolo, Kenya| Youth in Isiolo County, primarily drawn from the local football community, on Thursday held a peaceful demonstration in Isiolo town to demand greater support and accountability from the county government over the long-stalled Isiolo Stadium project.
The protest, which highlighted years of frustration and broken promises, has reignited public discourse around the broader neglect of youth and sports development in the region.
The demonstrators, comprising footballers, coaches, and concerned young residents, decried the continued absence of meaningful investment in sports infrastructure and programs, despite multiple pledges by the county administration.
According to the youth, the lack of proper facilities and institutional support has led many talented individuals to abandon sports altogether, with some reportedly turning to drugs and other destructive habits out of despair.
“We are tired of empty promises. The stadium has been under construction for years, yet there is nothing to show for it,” one of the protesting footballers said. “Many of our peers have lost hope and direction because they no longer see a future in football.”
In response to the demonstration, Isiolo County Chief Officer for Sports, Hassan Abdullahi Hassan, addressed the protesters and acknowledged their concerns.
He reaffirmed the county’s commitment to completing the Isiolo Stadium project, which has been marred by allegations of corruption and procurement irregularities.
Hassan revealed that the county government is collaborating with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to accelerate investigations into the stalled project and ensure accountability.
“Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo’s administration is determined to deliver a modern, fully functional sports facility that will serve as a hub for youth development,” Hassan said. “We understand the frustration, and we are taking concrete steps to resolve these issues.”
Beyond the stadium, the Chief Officer outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize sports and youth programs in Isiolo.
The county plans to distribute sports kits to local teams, facilitate training and certification programs for coaches and referees, and expand access to bursaries for student-athletes to help them balance education and athletic development.
Hassan also noted that the county government will prioritize awarding tenders and contracts to youth groups, in alignment with constitutional provisions that mandate youth inclusion in economic development.
Additionally, the county is intensifying efforts to combat drug and substance abuse among the youth, which has become a growing concern.
As part of its social protection agenda, Isiolo County is scaling up awareness campaigns and rehabilitation initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and empowering young people to make positive life choices.
The demonstration and subsequent government response underscore growing public pressure for transparency, youth empowerment, and the urgent need to invest in sports infrastructure.
For many in Isiolo, the hope remains that this renewed focus on youth affairs will translate into tangible results and restore faith in the potential of sports as a tool for personal growth and community development.
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