Leaders and residents have poured praises to the newly sworn into office County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports Elias Murega over his strategic approach to elevating sports in Meru.

Murega, who assumed office last week, has been exploring strategic collaborations and partnerships in the areas of sports both at the county and national level.

Nkuene Ward MCA Martin Makasi said all Meru CECMs must think outside the box and reach out for the many opportunities away from Meru.

"This is great from Murega," Mr Makasi said.

Antony Rugendo, a renowned sports journalist from the region said "I knew that you would never disappoint. Good work!".

On Wednesday, Murega shared his daily activities where he had met with several stakeholders in the sports arena.

Murega said high-level negotiations are being spearheaded by Meru Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia to ensure several projects come to fruition including Governor's Cup event, Kinoru stadium completion, establishment of sports academies, training programmes for referees and coaches, among others.

"We had a very productive discussion with President of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Hussein Mohammed on how counties can collaborate with FKF to elevate grassroots football, monetise the sport, and uplift talents at the local level--mashinani," Murega said.

Murega said that his department intends to establish constituency-based sports academies to nurture grassroots talent, bring back the Governor's Cup and Talanta Hela Hub programme to facilitate talent identification and nurturing for a brighter sporting future.

"I had the privilege of visiting the Kenya Academy of Sports, where I engaged in fruitful discussions with the Director of Corporate Services. We explored exciting opportunities for partnerships, with a focus on training and capacity building for sports technical personnel, including coaches and referees in key disciplines such as volleyball, football, rugby, handball, and basketball," he said.

Murega said he also engaged FKF CEO Harold Ndege and Football Development Director (FDD) Francis Kimanzi.

"I'm grateful FKF donated a few size 4 balls from FIFA to support our teams in a few schools in Meru. We remain committed to empowering our youths, unlocking their potential, and elevating sports across Meru County," Murega said.