Nairobi: It was pomp and colour as the Nakuru Athletics Club (NAC) was officially handed by the County Government a renewed land lease as the panoramic facility marked 100 years of its existence.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Nakuru Athletics Club, established in 1926, is one of the oldest sports clubs in Kenya, with a history dating back to the colonial era when indigenous Kenyans were not allowed to use the facility. Instead, they used The African Sports Stadium, now known as Afraha Stadium. The renewal of the land lease was officiated by John Kihagi, County Executive Committee Member for Lands, Housing and Physical Planning, during a ceremony attended by county officials and representatives of the National Land Commission.
Kihagi emphasized the county’s commitment to supporting public social clubs and other institutions in securing tenure for their properties, provided they comply with legal procedures. He noted that secure tenure would help institutions plan for the future while ensuring that land is protected and used for its intended purpose.
Club chairman George Nyamu expressed joy during the presentation of the renewed lease, highlighting a century of learning, progress, and growth, with contributions from individuals committed to the club’s excellence. As part of its centenary celebrations, NAC has hosted various sporting disciplines, culminating in a tree planting exercise to promote sustainability and combat climate change.
For the past century, NAC has been a prestigious member-only club, offering top-tier facilities and playing a key role in nurturing sporting talent in the county. The club’s historical ties include the legendary East African rugby player D.S. ‘Lofty’ Reynolds, who was a prominent figure in the 1950s and 1960s and has a trophy and competition named in his honor, the Lofty Cup.
Nyamu pledged that the club will continue to foster sportsmanship and provide a venue for athletic achievement and community engagement as it embarks on its next century. The club, equipped with a 2000-capacity stadium, has also played host to significant cricket matches, including games featuring the Rift Valley Cricket Association XI against Minor Counties of England.
Kihagi commended the club’s management for their leadership and dedication, ensuring its success and relevance over the years. He reiterated the County Government’s commitment to supporting NAC’s sports initiatives and emphasized a broader strategy to invest in youth talent development.
The CECM assured that Governor Susan Kihika’s administration would continue to invest in sports, arts, and culture, recognizing their potential to transform lives and promote inclusion. He highlighted the importance of sports as a tool for societal change and urged stakeholders to support sportsmen and improve the sports ecosystem.
County Chief of Staff Dr. Peter Ketyenya confirmed that the county administration has also approved lease extensions for Rift Valley Sports Club and Nakuru Golf Club after fulfilling legal requirements. He stressed the importance of secure land tenure in protecting recreational spaces as urban centers expand.
Dr. Ketyenya elaborated that the Constitution assigns counties responsibility for public amenities, including sports and cultural activities, and the renewal of the Nakuru Athletic Club lease ensures continued investment in a facility that has served generations.
