Matiang’i should make sports mandatory in all learning institutions says KUSA chairman Mbaabu Mureithi

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

KUSA chairman Mbaabu Mureithi has warned education cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i that Kenya is set to breed dissidents unless sporting activities are made compulsory in all learning institutions.

Speaking in Nyeri County at the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology on Wednesday, the Kenya Universities Sports Association (KUSA) chairman was adamant that majority of Kenyan youth who do not participate in sporting activities do not make it in the quest to become responsible citizens.

“I think it’s a high time that even our law makers sat down and thought about making participation of sports in learning institutions a law. It is a proven fact that sports men and women make excellent scholars and have great careers, but sadly they are the minority in Kenya. The cabinet secretary of education Mr. Matiang’i should make sports a compulsory activity in all learning institutions,” cautioned chairman Mbaabu Mureithi who also added that if the modern day parents will not encourage their young ones to play outside more, then Kenya is at risk of breeding criminals.

Also supporting the KUSA chairman’s ideas was Professor Ndirangu Kioni, vice chancellor Dedan Kimathi university of Technology. The university don categorically pointed out the importance of sporting competitions in all learning institutions in his speech during the closing ceremony of the KUSA games.

“We can’t underestimate the importance of competing in sports. We need our young men and women to be healthy at all times as this translates into their studies and more so behaviors. Sports build character and discipline. I am also calling upon the government through the ministry to invest a lot in sports especially in our learning institutions,” reiterated professor Kioni.

Mureithi’s main objective is to bring all KUSA affiliated universities once every two years to compete in different sporting activities. Sports according to him, is all about values, commitment and discipline which translates to the job market once an individual graduates.

“By joining different sports teams while at any learning institutions, it first shows the willingness to learn; later the student will have other values associated with sports. These values should be taught and gained while still at a tender age because they are what shapes an individual,” said Mureithi who also added that this is the best way to curb criminal activities and drug abuse in learning institutions. Physical Education (PE) subjects are not enough, but only competitive sports will do.

According to science and statics, a healthy body translates to a healthy mind which is receptive to education. Mureithi thinks that by making sports compulsory in all learning institutions and not optional, the rigorous curriculum combined together will not allow an idle mind.

“A student who participates in sports competitions will only think about his or her books and training. After training they are tired so they rest and wake up to books again. The student has no time to engage in drug abuse among other criminal activities. This is the best way forward because we are shaping the future through our young men and women who attend our learning institutions,” summarized the KUSA chairman Mr. Mbaabu Mureithi.