President Uhuru Kenyatta has on Wednesday 13, 2022 opened the multi-purpose Ulinzi Sports Complex at the Lang’ata Barracks, a facility that will host multi sports venues to be used by Kenya Defence Forces sports teams.
During the event, the President had an opportunity to spectate the Armed Forces Championships at the Complex. When it was time for the Relays, Uhuru burst into uncontrollable laughter and tears, as Moi Base Barracks team won with Laikipia Barracks coming second.
President Uhuru Kenyatta laughs so hard, sheds tears as he spectates Armed Forces Championships at Ulinzi Sports Complex.#USCL Livestream: https://t.co/LHgWA2CY6p pic.twitter.com/XmVdLilUA6
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) April 13, 2022
The facility which had its ground breaking on October 28 in 2020 is expected to be fully ready by the end of the year and it will have an indoor arena that can host basketball, volleyball and badminton, an Olympic-size swimming pool and other amenities.
Uhuru bursts into uncontrollable laughter as he spectates Armed Forces Championships in Langata #USCL pic.twitter.com/RTQcOmt0RZ
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) April 13, 2022
Currently ready is the football pitch and athletics track that will be hosted at the main stadium. The two facilities are ready to be used and the systems were tested last Sunday during a dry-run of the main event to be staged Wednesday.
Among those also expected to be present at the official opening of the venue is Gen. Robert Kibochi who is the Chief of the Defence Forces, Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa as well as several top army bosses.
The idea to establish a contemporary sports complex was mooted by Gen Kibochi, pursuant to the Defence Strategic Vision of “Sharpening the arrowhead” which aims at enhancing KDF Mission Readiness.
The purpose of the sports complex is to nurture wellness and to spur an enduring sporting culture in order to develop emotional, mental and physical wellbeing within the military and sporting communities in Kenya.
The KDF have several sporting teams which participate in top tier leagues including four-time FKF Premier League champions Ulinzi Stars who will now shift their base from Nakuru to Nairobi.
The track at the stadium will also offer Kenya Defence Forces athletes a venue to train and sharpen their skills as well as possibly host their annual championships which have erstwhile been staged at either Nyayo or Kasarani Stadia.
