Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa with Promised Ladies' captain Halima Imbachi/ HANDOUTThree young footballers from Kakamega County are set to begin an exciting new chapter in the United States after catching the eye of international scouts during a recent talent identification exercise.
Hamisi Otieno (Lurambi Sub-County), Abdinoor Omar (Mumias West Sub-County) and Clotilda Auma (Lurambi) secured opportunities to join football development programmes abroad following impressive performances at the fourth edition of the Kakamega Governor’s Cup.
Held annually every December at Bukhungu Stadium, the tournament is increasingly gaining recognition as a vital platform for nurturing grassroots talent and linking promising players to global opportunities.
The trio’s selection signals the competition’s growing stature beyond a county event into a regional gateway for international exposure.
Their move to the United States not only marks a personal milestone but also reflects the emergence of a structured pathway for footballers from Western Kenya to access education and professional development through sport.
The scouting exercise targeted boys and girls aged between 14 and 21 years from across the wider Western region, with a clear focus on identifying and connecting talent to international programmes.
Hundreds of hopefuls turned up for the trials, eager to impress recruiters who had travelled from the United States specifically for the initiative. Matt Reed of Indiana Wesleyan University led the assessment of male players, while Keaton Albert from Huntington University focused on the female prospects.
Former Kenya international Bob Oyugi was also present, offering technical guidance and mentorship to the participants. A total of 121 players took part in the exercise, including 84 male and 34 female footballers, underlining the growing interest among young athletes seeking opportunities beyond the local scene.
Speaking during the players’ send-off ceremony on behalf of Governor Fernandes Barasa, County Executive Committee Member for Sports Jackline Masicha hailed the trio’s achievement as a testament to the long-term impact of investing in grassroots sports.
Masicha emphasised that the initiative goes beyond competition, serving as a vehicle for opening education and career pathways for young people through sport.
She also revealed that more players are expected to travel to the United States in phases as partnerships with universities and clubs continue to grow. County Chief Officer for Sports Lawrence Mukoyani noted that the programme highlights the potential of deliberate investment in grassroots development.
“This initiative shows that when young people are given the right exposure, their talent can compete on the global stage. Kakamega has immense football potential, and we remain committed to creating pathways that connect our players to international opportunities,” said Mukoyani.
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