Dr Odera launches new tennis body in Nairobi

By Oscar Pilipili
Nairobi tennis enthusiasts now have a chance to work together and grow the game of tennis, with the launching of Nairobi County Tennis Association at Riverside, Katwekera Village in Kibera.

Dr Liz Odera (right) and John Macharia of Our Lady of Fatima at a past event at Sadili Oval. [PHOTO: STANDARD]

Doctor Liz Odera is President of the newly formed Association.
Odera, who is also the Chief Executive Officer for Langata Sports Association said: “The aim of the association is to promote the game of tennis in every way and foster friendly relations among officials, players and members of the Association and other organisations by encouraging tennis competitions and community tennis in Nairobi.”

She reiterated that the association’s intention to promote education of coaches, umpires, referees, managers and other officials in tennis, besides eradicating discrimination and promoting equality and diversity in the sport.
The association has locational and divisional representations in Central, Dagoretti, Embakasi, Kasarani, Kibera, Makadara, Pumwani and Westlands.

The association has since launched a membership drive in Kibera, and shall be moving through all the other divisional branches to meet tennis enthusiasts and encourage them to take up the mantle and open branch offices in their areas.
Locational representation will be critical to the growth of the game, and apart from areas that are already known to offer tennis and from which representation exists such as Parklands, Karen and Lavington.
First time
New areas in which tennis is being promoted for the first time include Kwangware, Kahawa, Maringo, Kasarani, Eastleigh, Pumwani, Kariobangi North, Umoja, Dandora and Highridge.
Odera said membership is open to players, clubs, schools and tennis-playing organisations.

Officials of the association include: Dr Liz Odera, director, representative, Karen; Mary Muriuki, representative Makadara; George Muga, representative Kibera (secretary); Francis Okong’o representative Lang’ata (treasurer).
Odera said that additional posts are to be filled soon, and include representation committees for representative from women in tennis, development, veteran, juniors, coaches association, clubs tennis, schools tennis, wheel chair tennis, umpires association and historically disadvantaged communities.

“Any person interested in joining the association or partnering with the new formed body in any way to promote tennis in the County is welcome,” Odera said.