Youth in Shinyalu Sub-County have strongly opposed plans by the County Government of Kakamega to convert the iconic Khayega sportsground into a market.
A group of young people—including several up-and-coming footballers—staged protests against the move on Wednesday, saying the only community sports facility in the area is vital for their dreams and ambitions.
The field, which was closed in 2016 for renovations, was scheduled for rehabilitation following a boundary survey. It has long served as a cradle for football talent in the Western Kenya region, producing players who have gone on to represent top clubs and the national team, Harambee Stars.
“This ground has a meaningful and measurable impact on improving players' lives and should be retained by all means. This ground has engaged people from as young as five,” said area youth leader Mache Mache.
“Let’s stand up for the integrity of the sport we love by developing the talents of our future stars. We can secure our sporting future and, in doing so, make our county stronger through sports.
Khayega is a very crucial venue and must be protected for generations to come,” said Cleophas Musitia Injete, another youth leader in the area.
He urged the County Government to consider finding alternative land to expand the market, rather than repurposing the sportsground.
“This is a historic ground that has for many years hosted sports competitions since pre-independence days. Some of us have seen first-hand how sports can change lives,” added Injete, a football coach and sports administrator based in the United States.
Former Khayega Leeds FC player and veteran coach Frank Anyanda encouraged the community to continue using the ground actively.
“This is a good start... let’s fight for our ground. I would suggest we plan for about three friendlies on Sunday... starting from 8am to 6pm... and we make sure every weekend we have games there,” he said.
Many players who excelled in school games and youth football from this area went on to play for top clubs in Kenya’s premier leagues.
Elder Richard Kwemba noted that matches played on the Khayega ground helped shape the character and discipline of local youth.
“Many matches played on this ground motivated and developed skills and attitudes that kept the youth away from bad behaviours,” said Kwemba.
The list of footballers who honed their skills at Khayega is long and illustrious. It includes late legends such as Levi Khayati, Enock Wiraka, Antony Mikabwa, Livingston Madegwa, David Asibwa, Jared Ingutia, and Julius Anyolo.
Others include Josephat Murila, Tony Lidonde, Alfred Imonje, Nicholas Lukati, Alex Shikanga, Justus Muhati, Patrick Shilasi ‘Omar Bongo’, Reginald Asibwa, Meshack Luchendo, Linus Bulinda, Nick Yakhama, the Ambani brothers Fred and Boniface, Peter Lichungu, Clifton Miheso, Washington Muhanji, Gerson Likono, Dennis Mukaisi, Kevin Shikoti, Joseph Shikokoti, Henry “Meja” Atola, Simon Abuko, Pius Masinza, and the Sereng brothers—Joe, Justus, and Fred.
The ground has also nurtured top international women footballers, including Harambee Starlets stars Jentrix Shikangwa, Cynthia Shilwatso, Ruth Ingosi, and Marion Serenge.
