Nanyuki Stadium's makeover sparks optimism among Laikipia sports enthusiasts

Sports enthusiasts in Laikipia County have praised the ongoing refurbishment of Nanyuki Green Stadium and have appealed to the county government to expedite the work, providing them with a platform to hone their skills.

The facility has been underutilised for many years due to its poor condition and inadequate amenities, forcing sports lovers to spend more to access standard training facilities in other counties.

The uneven football pitch has made it difficult for players to train and showcase their talents.

The upgrades by the Nanyuki Municipality, in partnership with the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK), will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will focus primarily on levelling the football pitch to facilitate training and ensure the safety of the players.

A water tower will be installed, and sanitation facilities will be improved during the second phase of the renovations.

“The intention is to upgrade the stadium into a modern and user-friendly facility that will promote talent development within the Municipality and beyond,” Municipality Manager Alex Mwangi said.

The official did not disclose how much would be spent on the renovations.

He further called on State and non-State actors to collaborate with the devolved government in promoting sporting activities in the county.

Nanyuki Green Stadium pic.twitter.com/Ruvp8L5vDH

— Mwaniki Zach (@ZeekMwaniki) January 21, 2024

Duncan Mucemi, a footballer, termed the development as a shot in the arm but appealed to the county government to ensure the stadium is up to the required standards.

“You all saw the embarrassment that we had when we hosted the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament years ago. Let them be thorough in their work and deliver a quality stadium,” he said.

He lamented that the county's failure to take sports seriously was driving many youths into drug and alcohol abuse due to desperation and lack of job opportunities.

“Seriousness on the county’s side would motivate youths to embrace sports, keeping them engaged and free of drugs. It will also offer them a platform to showcase their talent and access opportunities such as scouting to play for national teams,” he noted.

Sportsmen and women have said that the stadium should have a range of facilities to host multiple sports.

The athletes have been doing speed work sessions along the highway.

Another footballer, Paul Letoye, cited talent development as one of the ways to empower young people, most of whom are at high risk of being lured into crime, joining outlawed groups, and engaging in promiscuous behaviour.

“There is a need for continuous engagement between the county and the youth, who constitute the highest population, to ensure our issues of concern are given the priority they deserve,” he said.