PHOTOS: President Uhuru commissions construction of a major sports complex in Nairobi

President Uhuru Kenyatta during the groundbreaking ceremony for Ulinzi Sports complex and Inauguration of Defence Forces wellness centre at Langat Barracks on October 28, 2020. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta commissioned the construction of the 7500 capacity Ulinzi Sports Complex at Lang'ata Barracks in Nairobi County on Wednesday.

According to President Uhuru, the sports facility will be developed on 35 acres of land.

It will host a world-class football pitch and training ground, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, and an indoor arena among other ultra-modern facilities.

The Head of State added the complex after its completion will attract international sporting events.

“This Complex is in line with my government’s big four agenda which is to improve our national infrastructure across the country.

“This facility will help our Kenya Defence Forces excel in sports and also act as a mental health cure since sports indeed is healthy.

“This Complex will also be available to hosting international events, we have previously hosted the World Athletics Under-18 Championships and the Military Games,” said the President.

1/2 President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives at the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Lang'ata Barracks in Nairobi County to preside over the official opening of a Wellness Centre and commission the construction of an ultra-modern Ulinzi Sports Complex. ="https://twitter.com/CSDefence_Kenya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CSDefence_Kenya< ="https://twitter.com/kdfinfo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kdfinfo< ="https://t.co/YPIBea5shY">pic.twitter.com/YPIBea5shY< — State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) ="https://twitter.com/StateHouseKenya/status/1321372429747425283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2020<

Uhuru was accompanied by Defence CS Monica Juma, Foreign Affairs counterpart Raychelle Omamo and the Chief of Defence Forces, General Robert Kibochi among other Government officials

The armed forces has various teams competing in national leagues including Ulinzi football team, which participates in the FKF Premier League as well as Volleyball, athletics, boxing and swimming among others.

Chinese construction company China Wu Yi will spearhead the project.

Photos from Lang'ata Barracks on Wednesday:

President Uhuru chats with Chief of Defence Forces General Robert Kibochi during groundbreaking ceremony for Ulinzi Sports complex and Inauguration of Defence Forces wellness centre at Langata Barracks on October 28, 2020. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

President Uhuru chats with Ulinzi elite athletes at the Langata Barracks on October 28, 2020. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

Ulinzi elite athletes line-up at the Langata Barracks on October 28, 2020. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

The Head of State aboard a caterpillar for construction during the groundbreaking ceremony for Ulinzi Sports complex. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard]

President Uhuru greets contractors during groundbreaking ceremony for Ulinzi Sports complex on October 28, 2020. [Kelly Ayodi, Standard] .