Construction works on the Sh 4.9billion sports academy in Kasarani, Nairobi County is on track. The Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Doreen Odhiambo said the Academy stands at 98% complete and will be used for talent identification and development of Kenyan sportsmen and women interested in pursuing elite sports careers.
The government is constructing the project in phases. The first phase involves a seven storeyed hostel block, a three star hotel, indoor sports hall and 35 playgrounds, estimated to cost over Sh859, 814,770 million.
Currently five playgrounds, which include one rugby pitch, two football pitches and two basketball courts are complete and inside the building, there will be 78 self-contained rooms of which 26 are complete, 399 cubicles of which 115 are complete, a kitchen, a dining hall, six offices, three classrooms, a computer lab, boardroom and 11 washrooms.
Academy’s function
Dr. Odhiambo said the management is expecting funds for the phase II project, noting the project will also add three boreholes, put a perimeter wall, elevated tanks, field irrigation system, an ablution block, furnishing and equipment, erect a temporary bridge connecting the academy and playground, and signage in the pitches, which were left out during planning and finishing of the hostel building at a cost of Sh554 million.
The Academy’s function will include establishing and managing sports training academies, collecting, collating, storing and disseminating tangible and intangible historical sports material to the public, sports organizations, researchers and institutions of learning. It will receive and analyze data on training requirements from sports organizations and will also link with other institutions and organization for regular updates on the current sports trends.
