The Talanta Hela initiative, a flagship program under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, is emerging as a game-changer in Kenya’s push to transform talent into livelihoods.
Anchored in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, the program was designed to identify, nurture, and monetize talents—helping young people earn a decent living from their skills.
In the sports segment, implemented by the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS), Talanta Hela has rolled out ambitious programs such as the National Sports Talent Camp and the Talanta Hela Football Tournament.
These platforms have already produced inspiring stories. Homa Bay County (boys) and Busia County (girls) lifted the Talanta Hela U-19 Championships, while the Kenya U-18 Junior Stars, groomed under the initiative, reached the final of the Cecafa U-18 tournament held in Kisumu and Kakamega.
Inside Kenya’s Sports Reforms: From Talanta Hela to FKF Revival
Former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, who spearheaded Talanta Hela, envisioned a talent pipeline that could propel Kenya back to the global stage.
His push for age-group football and a government-backed sports masterplan—covering infrastructure from grassroots to international levels—has already started bearing fruit.
“We have to reflect on how we have performed as a country over the years and ask ourselves why Nigerian music is the most popular music we listen to. Why are Kenyan-themed films shot in South Africa? The sense of this initiative is to burn the box. That is why we don’t want to think outside the box. We don’t even want the box. We need fresh thinking,” Ababu Namwamba said then.
Plans are already underway to enter Kenya’s U-17 and U-20 boys’ and girls’ national teams in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could restore Kenya’s place among Africa’s football powerhouses.
In 2024, the Talanta Hela U-19 boys’ team emerged champions at the 15th edition of the Costa Daurada Cup held in Salou, Spain, defeating Usurbil FT 3-0 in a hard-fought final at the Futbol Salou Stadium.
The team maintained an unbeaten streak throughout their campaign in Spain. They opened with a 3-0 victory over CF Constantine, followed by a dominant 4-0 win against X Buyer Team A.
A 2-0 victory over Usurbil FT sealed their place in the semifinals, where they beat Berango FT 2-0. They crowned their stellar performance with a resounding 3-0 win in the final.
Kenyan Rising Stars Secure Clubs Abroad Through Talanta Hela
The initiative has also nurtured individual talents. Rising stars such as Aldrine Kibet and Amos Wanjala joined Nastic Academy in September 2023 and have since developed into some of Kenya’s most promising youngsters.
In July 2025, Kenya’s Under-20 wonderkid Aldrine Kibet signed a four-year contract with Spanish La Liga side Celta Vigo, valid until 2029.
His move was made possible through the Talanta Hela initiative, which facilitated his entry into Nastic Sports Academy in Spain, laying the foundation for his breakthrough.
Also Read: Kenya’s U20 Star Aldrine Kibet Joins La Liga Side Celta Vigo
Meanwhile, Amos Wanjala, captain of Kenya’s U-20 national team, is set for a major leap in his career, with a move to Spanish Segunda División side Unión Deportiva Almería expected in the January 2026 transfer window.
Wanjala had earlier signed a professional contract with Athletic Club Torrellano after showcasing his potential at Nastic Academy.
Other rising stars include Alvin Kasavuli, who continues to hone his skills at Nastic Academy, and Luis Ingavi, a Montverde Academy graduate now playing semi-professionally in Michigan ahead of his university enrollment.
But Talanta Hela is not limited to sports. In April 2025, the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, in partnership with the French government, awarded KSh 1–2 million grants to 17 beneficiaries in diverse creative fields.
This groundbreaking initiative aligns with Talanta Hela’s mission of monetizing creativity and innovation, opening fresh opportunities for Kenya’s youth.
In August, the Kenya Academy of Sports hosted the first-ever Career Fair & Symposium, themed “Exploring Diverse Careers in Sports.”
Thousands of participants from across East and Central Africa engaged with industry leaders, recruiters, and mentors—discovering new career pathways in governance, policy, innovation, and the business side of sports.
The launch of a Talanta Hela Digital Hub in Nairobi added another milestone. The hub boasts world-class facilities, including a sports arena, recording studio, and film studio, alongside mentorship programs designed to refine and showcase youth talent.
The initiative also oversaw the groundbreaking of a 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium for the 2027 AFCON tournament, positioning Kenya to host continental football in style.
Also Read: Kenya Marks Golden Year in Sports with CHAN Success, Stadium Upgrades and Soaring Athlete Rewards
FKF’s Ksh1.12 Billion Sponsorship deal with SportPesa
Yet, despite these gains, challenges remain. Football, Kenya’s most popular sport, has faced years of instability due to governance wrangles, suspensions, and a lack of sponsorships.
Stakeholders continue to raise concerns about inconsistent funding, inadequate infrastructure, and the legal disputes that frequently stall progress.
The government’s recent efforts to stabilise the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have injected fresh optimism. On September 16, 2025, FKF sealed a Ksh 1.12 billion sponsorship deal with gaming firm SportPesa, rebranding the top-flight league as the SportPesa League.
The agreement, witnessed by SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri and FKF President Hussein Mohammed, will inject Ksh85 million in the first year, rising to Ksh145 million by the 10th year.
Sixty percent of the package will go directly to the 18 Premier League clubs, while the remaining 40 percent will support FKF operations.
For the first time in years, clubs will also compete for prize money worthy of a premier league: Ksh 15 million for the champions, Ksh 3 million for runners-up, and Ksh 2 million for third place.
Meanwhile, a Taskforce on National Sports Policy and Legislation Review, established in November 2024 and chaired by John Ohaga, concluded nationwide consultations in July 2025.
Its mandate is to review the Sports Act of 2013 and the National Sports Policy of 2002, identify gaps, and propose reforms that align Kenya’s sports sector with regional and global trends.
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