This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
November 19, 2019, marked a significant milestone for Othaya town, a small settlement approximately 120km north of Nairobi, Kenya's capital. However, the establishment of the town has not been without its challenges. The southern part of the town, which could have served as an ideal location for the drainage system or connected sewer system, was instead chosen for the Othaya Stadium. This decision has led to the stadium siphoning funds meant for the drainage system, resulting in consistent flooding.
Despite being the hometown of Kenya's third president, Mwai Kibaki, little effort has been made to improve the welfare of sports in Othaya. Sports enthusiasts in the area are suffering greatly, with their talent being hindered by the poor infrastructure.
County Government of Nyeri has allocated a paltry Sh2.5 million for the stadium, which has left Othaya Green Santos FC, the main team using the stadium, unimpressed. The team's coach, Wilfred Nyaga, expressed his disappointment, stating that the field is a huge disappointment and that they have to seek assistance elsewhere when it rains.
Some teams in the area have failed to honor their matches due to cash constraints, making it difficult for them to travel in search of a better ground. Nyaga believes that the amount spent by the county government should have made matters easier. He lamented, 'We are told over two million was spent here, but what we can see is a perimeter fence. Our main problem is the floods, the stadium can host a variety of sports, but we don't have any leader interested in sports.'
Multiple African walk gold medalist Samuel Gathimba, who lives and trains just a couple of kilometers away from the stadium, also expressed his disappointment. He stated, 'Othaya Stadium is like a swimming pool; it can only be of help during the sunny days but if a proper drainage is installed, it can be of help. Not all athletes from the area can afford to shift their training, but we can only wait until the rainy season ends.'
County Chief Sports Officer Wachira Ngatia stated that they are currently working on various stadiums in the county, although Othaya is not among those earmarked. He said, 'We agreed before coming up with county sports teams that we first deal with the poor facilities. We have been in Karatina, Ruring'u, Narumoro, and Kinunga, where we are currently working on a basketball court.'
