Kisumu hockey clubs plead for renovation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex pitch

Kisumu-based hockey clubs are pleading with the County Government of Kisumu to renovate the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Complex hockey court's pitch to make it playable.

In May, the clubs, through the Kisumu County Hockey Association (KCHA) successfully petitioned the county leadership for use of the facility, but the playing surface has remained unplayable.

Kisumu is home to five hockey clubs including Lakers Hockey Club who features in the Women's Premier League (WPL), Kisumu Queens Hockey Club who plays in the second tier Women's Super League (WSL) and Kisumu Young Stars who takes part in the Men's Super League (MSL).

Yet, the clubs are forced to hire private grounds for training and match days - straining their meager resources.

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"We appreciate that the County Government gave us access to our hockey ground. Traditionally, the hockey ground has served as the home to all hockey clubs in Kisumu. Presently, clubs are forced to hire one private ground for training and matches, and because of hard economic times, it has not been easy," KCHA chairman Bryan Aduda told Mozzart Sport.

"We appeal to the County Government through the ministry of sports to rehabilitate the ground so that the standards of hockey in Kisumu can be raised," Aduda, a former Kenyan international, added.

The complex that boasts other sporting courts and recreational amenities was unveiled by the former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2020 after a Ksh. 100 million face-lift.

Nonetheless, it remained closed after Mr. Kenyatta added another Ksh. 100 million for further works especially on the sporting wing.

In May, the hockey fraternity got a nod from City Manager Abala Wanga to access and use the hockey ground, but this has not been possible due to unplayable pitch.