President William Ruto has attracted attention after saying Kenya will qualify for the FIFA World Cup when young people in West Pokot County start playing football.

The President's remarks have highlighted the importance of grassroots football in identifying and nurturing talent across the country.

West Pokot is among the counties with young people who could benefit from greater investment in sports. Providing access to football pitches, equipment, qualified coaches and organised competitions could help aspiring players develop their skills and pursue careers in the game.

Ruto's statement has also renewed discussion about Kenya's long-standing ambition to compete at the FIFA World Cup. The national team, Harambee Stars, has yet to qualify for the tournament's main finals, making youth development an important part of the country's football ambitions.

Football development requires more than encouraging young people to play. It also depends on proper facilities, professional coaching, competitive leagues and effective management of the sport. Schools and local football clubs can help identify promising players and provide opportunities for them to progress to higher levels.

Investing in grassroots football across counties could also help Kenya discover talent beyond established sporting centres. Young players in remote areas often need better access to training facilities and competitions to demonstrate their abilities.

Ruto's comments have placed West Pokot in the conversation about the future of Kenyan football, with attention turning to how local talent can contribute to the national team's progress.

Qualifying for the World Cup remains a major challenge, but a stronger grassroots football system could help Kenya build a more competitive team over time.

The President's remarks have therefore raised a wider question about the role of counties in developing the next generation of Kenyan footballers.

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