Vihiga United is among 10 teams in Vihiga that have received funding from the county government through the County's Sports Fund, the first to be established in the Country. The team has received seven million shillings, while their counterparts Vihiga Queens received two Million shillings, amount expected to boost its operations and other gaming activities.
Speaking on Friday at the County headquarters after issuing cheques to the teams, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo said that they will continue supporting county teams which have always carried the flag of the county high refuting claims that the county had stopped funding Vihiga United.
"Don't believe in lies that we have stopped funding our clubs. Vihiga United and Vihiga Queens are among our teams that are doing well and we shall continue supporting them." Averred Ottichilo.
The county boss added that proper legal framework disrupted county’s support to Vihiga United and Vihiga Queens, creating audit queries from auditor general. This prompted the county to establish a Sports Management Committee, which would be an avenue for the county to fund sporting activities through the Sports Fund.
The Chief Executive Officer for Vihiga United and Vihiga Queens Michael Senelwa appreciated the County Government for their financial support to the teams, hoping for future budget increase to the Sports Fund.
In his statement, Deputy Governor Dr. Patrick Saisi thanked both the County Department of Sports and County Assembly for the efforts they put in place to make it a success. He advised the teams to spend wisely for transparency and proper accountability.
According to the Committee Chairperson Albert Masiolo, a total of 14 teams applied for funding and only 10 teams qualified for funding within the regulations.
Among other criterion, applying teams were required to present a certificate of registration, Six months bank statement, KRA certificate, list of known officials with Chapter Six clearance and be participating in Football Kenya Federation Premier League, National Super League and Division One leagues for football teams.
Others that received funds are; Vihiga Bullets (500,000), Volleyball, (1,000,000), Luanda Villa (300,000), Boxing (300,000), Paravolley ( 700,000), Netball (300,000), Bunyore Starlets 300,000) and Tong il Moo-Doo (100,000)
Also present were Sports CECM Felistas Okumu Barasa, Chief Of Staff in the Office of the Governor James Otari, Vihiga County Assembly Sports Committee Chairman Edwin Kutai and other officers from the Department of Sports.