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Nakuru South cemetery where young football talents are nurtured

Such training has seen many youths in Manyani keep off drugs and substance abuse as well as engaging in criminal groupings such as the outlawed confirm group.  

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The ongoing training at the Nakuru South Cemetery.PHOTO/Pristone Mambili.

When it comes to football talents in Nakuru County, Kivumbini and Flamingo estates popularly claim the mantle.

For many years, the two estates have produced a number of football talents who have made to various Leagues and Clubs.

Players such as John Muiruri and David ‘Calabar’ Owino are among the many football talents who trace their roots in Nakuru.

Such talents are a clear indicator that Nakuru is a home of football talents and a great inspiration to many upcoming football talents.

It is for this reason that young AC Manyani Football Club in Manyani Estate of Kivumbini Ward, Nakuru East sub county  despite having no field has come up to nurture young football talents.

A visit to Nakuru South Cemetery in Manyani, besides the burial activities taking place,there is a young AC Manyani team undertaking their training.

Under the leadership of Coaches Paul Karori, the team is determined to give birth to new young talents in matters soccer.

He said the idea to form the team came about after he met some youths playing the improvised ball from polythene bags.

They started playing and training at a neighbors’ plot before shifting to Nakuru Primary school playing ground with Karori purchasing one ball for them.

“We started very small with even no playing ground until the Nakuru Primary school allowed us to use their field” said Karori.

According to Karori, through nurturing the team has been able to participate in Nakuru East NG-CDF-sponsored inter-estates tournament where they performed quite well.

The team for the first time went up to the finals emerging number two in the first inter-estates they participated in making away with Ksh.5, 000, uniforms and a ball by then.

“I paid their registration fee and they made it through the group stages up to the finals and emerged number two making away with goodies” he stated.

The coach admits the move motivated the young talents but then came a challenge of training ground.

This was occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic that led to the shutdown of schools rendering them with no ground as they were relying on the Nakuru Primary School grounds.

The team ended up at the Nakuru South cemetery where they cleared a part of the cemetery space that is not in use and converted it into their training ground to continue nurturing their talents.

“COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on us. We were barred from entering the school where we used to train and that is how with the help of village elders we ended up here at the cemetery where we now carry on with our training” said Karori.

Such training has seen many youths in Manyani keep off drugs and substance abuse as well as engaging in criminal groupings such as the outlawed confirm group.

Karori worry however is that the south cemetery where they train might not be there for long as the burial site is almost full hence they might be forced out.

His appeal is to well-wishers to step in to support the young football talents achieve their dreams in life.

“I appeal to well-wishers to come on board so that we can support these young football talents. As we talk now we are not sure of this training field because the upper part of the cemetery is almost full and they might shift here” he stated.

Sentiments echoed by Job Okumu-who works closely with coach Karori towards the betterment of the AC Manyani team.

Okumu-a former player with Olympics FC, St.Joseph’s as well as Deliverance Church FC in Nakuru said his move to retire from the ball ushered him into the idea of nurturing talents.

“I felt instead of retiring from football, I rather start nurturing talents in our own area and that is why I joined Paul in this mission to help our youths” said Okumu.

Ronald Echesa-one of the young football talents undertaking training with the team is optimistic that their dream to play for great clubs in the country and abroad shall one day be achieved.

He admitted that since joining AC Manyani in 2015, his life has been transformed with a lot of discipline and focus.

“I hope and I believe this team will assist me achieve my dreams” stated Echesa.

Ms Beatrice Achieng’ who helps nurture the female talents in the area stated that the training is key to avert the youths engaging in drugs and substance abuse.

She said the girls are training with the boys to gain experience in matters football and help address the challenges.

“With this training in matters sports our youths will be engaged and won’t think of participating in criminal activities” said Achieng’.

 

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A Nakuru-based freelance Journalist with a wealth of experience in Radio and Online Journalism.

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Nakuru

Governor Kihika Hails Resumption of Itare Dam Construction

Once complete, the 56.1 million cubic meters of water that covers an area of approximately 2,500 hectares is expected to provide water to over 800,000 residents in Nakuru and its environs.

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Governor Susan Kihika has welcomed the resumption of the construction of the Kimwarer, Arror and Itare dams which were stalled in 2018 following various challenges.

In Particular, she expressed excitement about the revival of the Itare Dam project in Kuresoi North, which she believes will revolutionize agriculture and improve the supply of clean water in Nakuru County.

“The absolute best News!! Was waiting on this. ITARE Dam is a game changer for Nakuru County. Water & Food Security will be guaranteed,” she stated on her Twitter.

Earlier today, President Ruto met his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarela where the two committed, in good faith, to re-establish cooperation on water and sanitation programs.

Speaking at State House, Ruto announced that they had agreed to withdraw the arbitration cases against the three dams and that they should be able to resume construction in a few months.

“I’m proud to announce that the three dams which were subjected to court cases and court matters, we should be able to go on with the construction of these three dams in a few months,” he said.

Governor Kihika commended the President for honouring one of his campaign promises; that he would revive the construction and completion of the dam once elected.

The Sh38 billion project stalled in 2018 due to delays in the disbursement of funds from both the Kenyan government and the Italian government, which is funding part of the project.

The project has also faced several legal disputes, including a case filed by a group of activists who claim that the project will have adverse effects on the environment and the local communities.

Once complete, the 56.1 million cubic meters of water that covers an area of approximately 2,500 hectares is expected to provide water to over 800,000 residents in Nakuru County.

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Nakuru

Nakuru Rastafarians Urge Kenyans to Protect Cultural Traditions, Values after LGBTQ Ruling

Same-sex unions remain illegal in Kenya, as homosexual activity is criminalized under Section 162 of the Penal Code. The maximum sentence for engaging in homosexual activity is 14 years in prison.

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Rasta and Gay Pride colors

The Rastafari community in Nakuru is calling on Kenyans to stand up and protect their cultural traditions and values following the recent Supreme Court of Kenya ruling on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ).

The apex court recently criticised the government for failing to register unions and associations for the LGBTQ people, saying the decision discriminates against the rights of the community.

The NGOs Co-ordination Board had refused to register six unions, among them the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission and the Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Council

In a strong statement, the Empress Menen Cultural Group is urging the government to take immediate action, of whatever nature, to reverse the ruling, which they say undermines the very fabric of the society.

The group’s chairman, Kimathi Thuo stated that leaders must protect Kenya’s traditional values and promote the principles of natural law and morality.

“We call on the government to ensure that the traditional values that have guided us throughout our history are respected and protected,” he stated on the sidelines of a worship service in Nakuru City.

He said the community fully supports the recent comments made by political leaders, led by President William Ruto regarding LGBTQ unions and associations.

The Rastafari community emphasized that the government should immediately give a way forward, specifically that which respects the country’s values and beliefs

“It is only through united and such honest efforts that we can ensure that these values are preserved for future generations,” stated Thuo the Rastafarians stand with all groups protecting the sanctity of family structures.

LGBTQ advocacy groups and individuals have for years been pushing for greater recognition and protection of the rights of the LGBTQ community in Kenya.

They have been vocal about the need to repeal laws that criminalize homosexuality and provide legal recognition and protection for same-sex relationships.

However, same-sex unions remain illegal in Kenya, as homosexual activity is criminalized under Section 162 of the Penal Code. The maximum sentence for engaging in homosexual activity is 14 years in prison.

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Nakuru

DG Kones Advocates for Bible Accessibility in All Languages

The greatest missionary is the Bible in the mother tongue. It never needs a furlough, is never considered a foreigner, and it costs nothing

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Participants during the fun run. Photo/NGPU

The importance of the Bible in Christianity cannot be overemphasized, as it serves as the foundation for Christian beliefs and practices. However, for some communities, access to this holy book in their native language is a challenge, hindering their spiritual growth and understanding of the faith.

To bridge this gap, the Bible Translation and Literacy organization celebrated its 41st anniversary by organizing a fun run at Nakuru High School to raise awareness and funds for its translation projects.

Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones, who attended the event, stressed the significance of making the Bible accessible to all communities, saying, “The Bible is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and guidance, and everyone must have access to it in their native language.”

The event was also graced by other officials, including Chief Officer Resource mobilisation Pastor Alex Maina, Vice-chair of BTK Board Kendi Ogamba, and the manager of Investment BTK Godfrey Mwenda. They also participated in flagging off the race, marking the organization’s inception 41 years ago.

The run saw the participation of children from various schools, reminding everyone of the importance of making the Bible available to all communities, regardless of language or background. As the Deputy Governor rightly put it, “Let’s do good when we can, for time waits for no man.”

Overall, this fun run serves as a call to action to support organizations like Bible Translation and Literacy, as they work towards making the Bible accessible to all communities. In the words of the organization’s founder, Cameron Townsend, “The greatest missionary is the Bible in the mother tongue. It never needs a furlough, is never considered a foreigner, and it costs nothing.”

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