Uhuru officially commissions Ulinzi Sports Complex

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday told Kenyans to borrow a leaf from the military and complete their tasks once they have been entrusted by the public to deliver on their promises.

In a comment aimed at county governments that are yet to complete a number of projects that were commissioned years ago across the country, Uhuru cited the newly built hospital by the Kenya Defence Forces in Kabete, the new port in Kisumu and other tasks that the armed forces have completed within a short time.

The head of state was speaking after officially commissioning the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang'ata, Nairobi Wednesday evening.

Also present during the event were Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, his Sports counterpart Amina Mohamed, Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces General Robert Kariuki Kibochi among other dignitaries.

Before his arrival, ecstatic soldiers and civilians thronged the 7,500-seater.

The famous Maroon Commandoes band entertained guests who arrived long before the President arrived at the venue. Their renditions of Naenda Safari, Christina, Sofia among others had the attendees on their feet.

The complex will now be home to all Military teams, including Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) side Ulinzi Stars.

Ulinzi Stars got a taste of their new home during the ceremony, where they played out to a 0-0 draw with Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Tusker FC.

Uhuru symbolically opened the stadium after kicking the ball before kick-off to signal it was officially ready for use.

Uhuru said that many sports facilities in counties have stalled because of corruption and negligence.

"Counties have money and personnel to help improve their infrastructure and sporting facilities. The county governments should therefore prioritise these projects and ensure they are completed within stipulated time lines," he said.

The Head of State commissioned the construction of the facility on October 28, 2020  with the then Defence Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma.

"There are fields and stadiums which have been built for up to 10 years but they are still at the foundation stage. Counties should emulate this project and as a country we will go far in terms of infrastructural development," he added while urging the sportpersons to preach peace a head of the August 9 General Election.

President Kenyatta announced that the new facility will host 52nd Edition of the Athletics Championship 2022 next week and called KDF to engage corporate companies to help maintain and manage the complex.

"This complex needs a robust management to maintain its international standards. This calls for corporate partnership so that this facility can remain in good status always," said the President.

Kibochi thanked the stakeholders such as Equity and KCB for assisting equip the gymnasium and other areas calling on others companies to follow suit.

"This a dream come true and all those who did this job did a fantastic work. What is important is that we use the facility well and help tap a lot of talents," he said.

Wamalwa said the facility adds to others the military own and called on the youth within the forces to use the complex to develop their talents so that KDF can have a strong team in participating in various competitions locally and internationally.

Earlier, President Kenyatta kicked off a series of activities of the day by starting short races comprising athletes from Kenay Defence Forces.

The soldiers participated in 100 metres and 4×100m relays for both men and women.

During the day-long ceremony the famous Maroon Commandoes band entertained guests who arrived long before the President at the venue. Their renditions of Naenda Safari, Christina, Sofia among others had the attendees on their feet.