Nguna, Kamwangi, Muirigo and Kangaita Primary schools in Chania Ward are among schools whose playgrounds have been earmarked to be upgraded in a programme launched to facelift school playing fields in Gatundu North sub-county, Kiambu County.
Works done include filling with red soil, leveling and planting of grass.
While inspecting ongoing works at Nguna Primary School, area MCA Joseph Mwangi said that the deplorable condition of the grounds in most schools has dented sporting activities among students and the youth.
“We received numerous complaints that school children were no longer participating in any sporting activities due to the sorry state of many playing fields. We have now embarked on upgrading them,” he said.
The Ward Rep maintained that revival of sports events in the region will salvage majority of youths who have sunk into brewing and consumption of illicit liquor and narcotics.
“We will engage our youths as a way of rehabilitating them and saving them from the drugs menace. We want to nurture their talents so they can generate and eke a decent living,” he said.
Mwangi noted that his office will occasionally organize sports competitions for schools and youth in the ward to promote and sharpen their talents.
“The former Thika United head coach hails from this ward and he’s one among many talents that are yet to be identified. The competitions will enable us identify and nurture our talented youths in various disciplines,” he said.
Residents led by John Njau hailed the initiative terming it as a shot-in-the-arm for most talented youth in villages as they will now have facilities to train and play.
“Majority of youth in our villages are heavily indulging in alcoholism and drug abuse because they are idle and have no jobs. These grounds will help them to shun the antisocial behaviours,” Njau said.
His sentiments were echoed by Stephen Gakumo, a former player, who said he has been spending his leisure time on drinking sprees but will now return to the field for training.
On his part Village Elder Joseph Wa Kahua noted that the upgraded fields will henceforth play host to other social activities and public gatherings unlike before when the ground was uninhabitable.
By Kamau Njoroge
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