Konza City unveils new athletics track, field
By Dennis Onyancha, June 7, 2024
Konza City has announced the completion of a new athletics track and field complex.
According to the official statement by Konza City, the high-quality six-lane, 100 by 65-meter circular running track will be open to use by athletes looking to achieve their full potential.
Users will have access to a wide range of training programs that will be geared to not only improving their athletic performance but also their overall physical fitness, and mental health while offering a chance for social interactions.
State of running tracks
The news of the completion of the track raises mixed emotions especially now when preparations for the Olympics are hitting fever pitch.
On one hand, the private track situated at Konza City is a big addition to the field and track fraternity, meaning an extra track to sharpen the ever-expanding talent in the country.
On the flip side, the Konza track highlights the lack of investment in the sport by concerned government agencies.
The Kipchoge Keino Stadium for example has not reached its completion stage, more than 10 years since works on the stadium began. Mark you, the stadium in Eldoret is home to World Marathon Champion Eliud Kipchoge and is the only suitable running track in and around the rift region, which has been the athletics breadbasket of the country.
This leaves Nyayo Stadium as the only standard running track available for use with Kasarani now under renovations.
The cry for better sporting infrastructure transcends the track and field community. Harambee Stars will be forced to play their home qualifying fixtures due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in the country.
Play had to be stopped and the match was abandoned when a leaking roof made it impossible for KPA and Trailblazers to continue their National Volleyball League playoffs match at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
These are just some recent examples that should have stakeholders thinking and planning on developing new, high-quality sports infrastructure if Kenya is to dominate the continent.