- Salim Mvurya was appointed by President William Ruto on Thursday to serve as the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.
- He has previously served as Kwale County Governor.
- Mvurya is expected to oversee the completion of various sports project around the country including the Talanta Sports City Stadium.
President William Ruto made several changes in his cabinet on Thursday evening, December 19 that came as a surprise to most citizens.
Among the appointees and nominees to various positions was former Kwale County Governor Salim Mvurya, Mutahi Kagwe and William Kabogo.
However, the appointment of Mvurya to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports is what many individuals did not see coming.
Here are the key details you need to know about the man who has a huge task ahead of him including ensuring the country successfully hosts the African Nations Championships (CHAN) tournament in February next year.
Educational Background
Mvurya was born in 1970 in Kenya’s coastal region. He undertook his pre-primary education at Mavirivirini Primary school before proceeding to Mpeketoni Secondary School in 1987.
ALSO READ: FIFA President Gianni Infantino expresses confidence in Hussein, Mariga leadership
After completing his high school education, Mvurya was admitted at the Egerton University, where he went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business Management in 1996.
Furthermore, he holds a Master’s degree in Participation, Power and Social Change from the University of Sussex.
Professional Experience
Mvurya has over 15 years of experience working in the social sector. He has had an opportunity to serve in numerous firms such as the Tegemeo Institute of Agricultural Policy and the Aga Khan Foundation.
In 2013, he was elected as the Governor for Kwale County on the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket, a position he retained after joining the Jubilee Party five years later.
Play here and stand a chance of winning the over Ksh 395 Million SportPesa Mega Jackpot
After serving the people of Kwale for two terms, Mvurya was appointed by President Ruto to serve as the Cabinet secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs before being reassigned to head the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry.
A look at Mvurya’s brief biography paints a picture of a person who does not have enough knowledge on the sports field.
However, he has promised to work alongside other stakeholders to bring change to the essential industry.
“I am truly honored and humbled by H.E. President Williams Ruto‘s trust in reassigning me to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.
As I transition to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, I am eager to collaborate with stakeholders to empower the youth through employment and skills development, spur the creative economy to drive innovation and job creation, and promote sports as a tool for national unity and economic growth, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the country,” read part of his statement.
Among some of the key projects that Mvurya is expected to oversee include the completion of the Talanta Sports City Stadium and the construction works that are currently going on at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadiums.
In addition, he will have to do his best to ensure Kenya co-hosts the CHAN tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania and bring change to the Athletics Kenya (AK) that is yet to held elections since 2016.
ALSO READ: Shikanda hoping to lure Victor Wanyama back to AFC Leopards after 17 years