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Uhuru wants golf played in public schools


President Uhuru Kenyatta wants golf introduced in public schools as a way of developing the sport.

President Kenyatta said this at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday while presenting the national flag to Kenya’s national boys and girls golf team which is due to leave this weekend for Casablanca for the All Africa Junior Golf Championship.

He urged the ministries of Sports and Heritage, Education and Interior to finalise the development of a curriculum that will see golf introduced to public schools and also assured skaters — who attended the flag presentation ceremony — that they would be provided with space to train and compete at the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani.

The skaters currently practice their skills at the Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi.

President Kenyatta congratulated the Casablanca-bound team and wished them success in the tournament which runs from March 3 to 10.

“As you go abroad with my blessings and my best wishes, express yourselves. Let your talent shine,” the President told the team.

KENYAN TEAM

Kenya is among 18 countries expected to compete in Morocco.

Kenya’s team of four boys and three girls will be led to Casablanca by Junior Golf Foundation chairman Gitonga Kabera and the legendary Rose Naliaka of the Naliaka Golf Academy who is also the coach of the girls’ team.

Zubair Khan, currently playing off handicap four and a member of Muthaiga, Daniel Kiragu also of Muthaiga (5) and national junior champion Mutahi Kibugu, an off scratch player and a member of Muthaiga, will make up the boys’ team.

The fourth player will be Nyali Golf and Country Club’s Agil Is-Haq Jamal, playing off scratch.

The girls’ team has Dubai-based Kellie Gachaga, currently playing off five, along with Ashley Awour from the Naliaka Academy and the 13-year-old Channelle Wangare from Vet Lab Sports Club.

Besides Kabera and Naliaka, the team will also be accompanied by Kenya national golf coach John Van Liefland and parents of some players.

The team was led to State House by Kenya Golf Union chairman Richard Wanjalla, vice chairman Lucas Maranga and Sports and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Rashid Echesa.