By Elizabeth Mwibanda, Bungoma
Ford Kenya’s Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli has revealed that the reason he chose to sponsor a Basketball tournament is due to the sport’s rich history in the region, emphasizing that the initiative will go a long way in nurturing local talent.
The first-term senator, who was speaking at the launch of the tournament at Bungoma High School, stated that the event comes at a significant time, as the world celebrates International Basketball Day, an observance recognized by the United Nations (UN).
“The UN states that Basketball improves health, cohesion, and integration, releases stress and depression, and is a tool for unity and prosperity. If the UN recognizes Basketball, who are we not to play and promote the game?” Wakoli said. He added, “We are not only here to recognize the game but also to play the game.”
Wakoli, who has been instrumental in advancing sporting activities in Bungoma, reminisced about the humble beginnings of basketball in the county.
He revealed that local enthusiasts initially played on a murram field at what is now Baptist High School, later moving to the grounds of Namachanja High School where they played on bare earth.
The situation continued to deteriorate until they were forced to play at the Youth Center Catholic Church in Musikoma, and eventually, at the defunct Bungoma Airstrip, when all other facilities became unavailable.
“For a very long time, Bungoma has been faced with a lack of Basketball courts. That is why I have come firmly to sponsor the Basketball talents in the region,” the Ford Kenya legislator stated.
Despite the scarcity of playing grounds, Wakoli emphasized that Bungoma has produced several Basketball legends, including Ulinzi national team captain, one of the standout players to emerge from the county.
“Looking at the history of national teams, the current captain of Ulinzi is one of our own whom we used to play with. We have another one called Zeddy, who used to manage Stadia basketball facilities in the country. We have many others who play for international Basketball clubs,” he affirmed.
He also highlighted the impressive performance of local schools, particularly Kamusinga, which emerged as the winner of this year’s Basketball tournament in secondary schools. Wakoli noted that over half of the players on the team are from Bungoma, with many coming from humble backgrounds.
“Lack of facilities in Bungoma will not hinder the prosperity of any sporting activity. But this time, we are saying that under devolution, we want the county government and other stakeholders to cherish all sporting activities in Bungoma,” he urged.
The senator further pointed out the ongoing national hockey league, in which a self-sponsored team from Bungoma is participating, underscoring the region’s sporting potential.
“This is the beginning of nurturing talents in Bungoma, giving young people hope that there is a better future, bringing leaders together to understand the challenges we face, and working together to alleviate those challenges,” Wakoli said. He added that the goal is to hand over the mantle of sports to the next generation while addressing the barriers that hinder their progress.
Wakoli also stressed the need for partnerships with county governments and the Kenya Basketball Federation to establish dedicated Basketball courts in Bungoma.
