Murang’a: Murang’a County Assembly is working on a Bill that will see women get support and be incorporated in active sporting activities. Nominated MCA Tonny Manucho, who represents youth in the Assembly, has revealed that the Sports Bill before the floor of the house would ensure women and girls receive similar support as that accorded to men in sports. He mentioned that once it is approved, women’s teams would be introduced to various sports and receive material and financial support to assist them in participating in regional and national games.

According to Kenya News Agency, Manucho, who was accompanied by nominated MCA Gladys Wambui during a women’s football match at Ihura Stadium, stated that once the Assembly resumes from recess mid this month, the MCAs would debate on the Bill, with hopes of its successful passage. Manucho emphasized that historically, men have been favored in terms of support, resulting in many soccer teams and other sports teams excluding women. This Bill aims to address the imba
lance by providing women and girls the opportunity to engage in sporting activities.

MCA Wambui highlighted that most games have not involved women and stressed the importance of debating the sports Bill. She called on women to be more proactive in sports and noted that many talented women in Murang’a have lacked opportunities and support to nurture their talents. Once the Bill is passed, those interested in sports will be encouraged to participate. Wambui also pointed out the increase in gender-based violence and torture cases against women, indicating that the football match served to create awareness of these issues.

Women soccer teams, Kiharu Queens and Murang’a Starlet, participated in the soccer match, with Murang’a Starlet emerging victorious with a 1-0 win. The event, sponsored by JCM Church, also provided locals with a free medical camp attended by over 1,000 people. More than 400 patients facing eye problems, mostly glaucoma, received optical care. Dr. Anne Gakii, who supervised the medical camp,
announced that 25 cataract patients would receive free operations, noting that recovering eyesight for glaucoma patients is more challenging than cataract surgery.

Bishop Ben Kamau of JCM Church contributed to the event by donating avocado seedlings for planting, aiming to support environmental conservation. He encouraged local leaders to continue uplifting women in sports.