MAKADARA MP MUTURA LAUNCHES CONSTRUCTION OF ARTIFICIAL TURF AT THE JERICHO STADIUM

Football lovers in Nairobi's Eastlands have a reason to smile after Makadara Member of Parliament Benson Mutura initiated the construction of an artificial turf at the Camp Toyoyo Grounds in Jericho.

With the area known for producing some of the best players in the country including the likes of former Harambee Stars captain and current assistant coach Musa Otieno, former national team head coach Jacob 'Ghost' Mulee, George Waweru, Kepha Taso, Eric 'Cantona' Omondi, Chrispin Olando and Brain Mandela just to name a few, the new facility is expected to greatly boost the development of football in Kenya.

The turf, which will be laid by engineer Nelson Otiato at the cost of Sh24 million, is expected to be ready in three months time. 

"These grounds have sentimental value for most of us who grew up here, and being a former footballer, I have decided to honour my pre-election pledge of fencing the ground and putting in an artificial turf," said Mutura during the ground-breaking ceremony on Friday.

He added: "It will be the first one of it's kind because the other two, City Stadium and Kisumu Stadium were funded by Fifa, but this is public money."

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Mutura said the facility will also include a modern changing room for players as well as floodlights.

"This is the way to go. This area is known as a hive of criminals, but this is going to change. This initiative will offer job opportunities for the youth in the form of ticketing, security, management of the facility as well as talent development," Mutura said.
He added: "It will act as a foundation for upcoming footballers because the playing surface is a major tool in the development and growth of a player and I can assure you, many Victor Wanyamas will emerge from here."

Mulee who also graced the occasion lauded the initiative and challenged more leaders to emulate Mutura.

"This is like a dream come true, because this is where I started my football career and I have seen many players emerge from the same grounds to become great footballers," said Mulee.

-rgichana@standardmedia.co.ke