Kenya Hockey Union calls for more investment in modern facilities

The Kenya Hockey Union is calling for increased investment in modern hockey infrastructure across the country to nurture talent and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness on the international stage.

The call was made by Kenya Hockey Union President, retired Lieutenant Colonel Nahashon Randiek, during the official inauguration of a state-of-the-art artificial turf pitch at Hillcrest International School, developed by the Braeburn Group of International Schools.

Randiek said the growth of hockey in Kenya depends heavily on moving away from traditional playing surfaces and embracing world-class facilities that meet international standards.

“This pitch at Hillcrest is a great development for the country, and we have already started engaging with Hillcrest so that our national teams can use this facility for training,” said Randiek.

National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) Gender Representative Doreen Okiri commended the Braeburn Group for its investment, saying partnerships with the private sector are crucial in complementing government efforts to address Kenya’s shortage of sports infrastructure.

“Having more FIH-accredited pitches in the country will improve our chances of qualifying for the World Cups and Olympic Games,” said Doreen.

Kenya Hockey Union Secretary General Wycliffe Ongori said quality facilities are essential if Kenya is to compete effectively with leading hockey nations.

“Without good facilities, you cannot compete effectively with countries in the first world, where some clubs have up to seven pitches. We have just returned from the Masters, and I can tell you that in the Netherlands, a single club, like Sikh Union or Wazalendo Hockey Club, can have as many as seven pitches,” said Ongori.