Nyandarua governor Kiarie pushes for sports facilities
By David Macharia, October 21, 2022
Nyandarua government has urged Sports Kenya to help in developing sporting facilities including a sports academy in the county.
Governor Moses Kiarie Badilisha said the facilities will help tap and develop sporting talent among youths. The County boss who made the appeal when he hosted officials of Sports Kenya noted that the high altitude county was conducive for sports development, particularly long-distance runners.
He said that his government was ready to provide land for the construction of a sports academy.
“Nyandarua has adequate land for construction of such a facility and is a reservoir of talents which can be tapped for youth development. I assure you of my support in any project that seeks to positively impact our youth,” he noted.
The County is home to elite athletes including the 2015 World Cross Country senior men silver medalist Bidan Karoki and 10000m silver medalist in the recent World Championships in Oregon- USA Stanley Waithaka.
A large number of athletes from Nyandarua train at Nyahururu Stadium which belongs to the neighbouring Lakipia County for lack of a facility in their home county.
Upgrading of the Ol Kalou Stadium which has been ongoing for 10 years has currently stalled. Sports Kenya chairman, Charles Waithaka, said that his organisation has designed a framework of engagement which will see targeted support in sporting infrastructure and activities in the devolved counties.
“We will work jointly with your County team to develop a comprehensive report on the status of sporting projects and facilities that require our support in Nyandarua. This report will form part of the briefing to the incoming cabinet members. “I’m happy to note that we have covered some considerable groundwork and Nyandarua is one of our target counties,” Waithaka said.
Nyandarua’s altitude averages above 2,000 metres above sea level in most parts, which makes it an ideal training ground for long distance runners.