Ndakaini Stadium to undergo massive renovation
NAIROBI NEWS REPORTER
Beer brand Guinness, has begun renovating Ndakaini Stadium in Murang’a County, the first of four community stadia that it is revamping across the country under its Made of Football community projects scheme.
The renovations are part of the Guinness Made of Football programme that seeks to improve football facilities across the country. It targets community pitches and spaces used by football clubs, communities or simply fans who come together to play or enjoy watching football as a pastime.
Speaking during the ground breaking ceremony Samuel Wasswa Marketing Manager Guinness and Portfolio beers, Kenya Breweries Limited said, “Sub-standard pitches, especially with rough terrain, affect players’ performances while playing denying players and fans the ultimate fun enjoyed from football.”
He further added, “Guinness intends to bridge this gap by providing avenues in which we can provide better experiences for players and fans as well as improve the source of livelihoods for communities living around the stadiums.”
The Ndakaini community will benefit from high indirect employment because of catering, retail and hospitality activities around the stadiums.
Mr. Wasswa said, “The Guinness Made of Football programme celebrates passionate football players and fans across the country and the lengths they go to show their love for the game. These community pitches provide spaces for many to practise, improve their football skills, and engage in constructive pastime. We believe this will significantly develop the pool of Kenya’s football talent and the enjoyment of the beautiful game in the country.”
The Ndakaini Stadium rehabilitation will include a standardized pitch, football, running track markings, changing facilities for players, new seating for spectators and branding.
Football is the most popular sport in the world with the world football governing body International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) estimating that 265 million people play football globally. Africa lays third behind Asia and Europe respectively by having 46 million active players.
Professor Joseph Kimura, the Ndakaini Dam Environmental Conservation Association (NDEKA) representative said, “We are very excited to partner with Guinness and are looking forward to having a space where our talent can be nurtured and our local community can gather together to watch the games. We hope that this pitch will open Ndakaini to other opportunities such as hosting regular matches and tournaments.”
