Plans are underway to set up an ultra-modern sports centre in Nairobi after the County Deputy Governor Ann Kananu and the President of National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) Paul Tergat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate its construction.
The facility dubbed the OlympAfrica Centre which will be set up in Ruai, Kasarani Constituency will cost Ksh38.3 Million and will be the first of its kind in the country.
The complex will comprise 400m running track, indoor gymnasium, volleyball, basketball, handball, tennis courts and swimming pool, hostels and a health centre.
It will have hostels, spectator stands/bleachers and a perimeter wall.
The County Government is expected to provide land for the construction of the sports complex while NOCK shall undertake sourcing of funds for the construction of the complex.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony on Wednesday, March 3, Nairobi Acting Governor Kananu stated that the county government would give its support to the completion of the project.
"The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) will work to improve the road network leading to the facility to ensure easy access," she assured.
On his part, Tergat disclosed that they will soon break ground so as to ensure its completion in the shortest time possible.
"I thank Nairobi County Government for embracing this project and opportunity to set the pace to other counties. Our reason behind having it first in Nairobi is because the city is world-class and a communication and business hub of East Africa," he stated.
The NOCK chairman noted that sports had changed many lives in the world as he promised to reach out to more sponsors to bring change in the sports industry in the Country.
The main objective of the centre is to provide easily accessible sports for disadvantaged youth as well as advance social development through sport.
The Centres have been opened and are operational in 37 African countries so far.
