Machakos gets an Olympic-standard swimming pool

An Olympic-standard indoor swimming pool has been launched in Machakos town, marking a new chapter of aquatic sports competition in Kenya.

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, on Thursday, laid a foundation to the world-class project which is geared towards setting the stage for the country to become a key player in hosting major international swimming galas.

Ms Ndeti said the mega project will provide an opportunity to nurture the next generation of aquatic sports talent in Kenya.

“I call upon other county governments to prioritize developing sports at the grassroots. This is a critical step towards creating opportunities for youth and placing Kenya on the global sporting map,” Governor Ndeti said.

Kenya Aquatics Secretary General Collins Marigiri exuded confidence that the project, once complete, will enhance both sports and youth empowerment.

“I am delighted to see Machakos County prioritizing aquatics sports and youth development. As a federation, we are committed to collaborating with the county government to ensure this facility meets all World Aquatics standards. This will position it as a premier venue for hosting sanctioned national and international meets,” Mr Marigiri told AVDelta News.

Construction of the pool is underway. It is designed to include top-tier features such as a warm-up pool, touchpads, System 7 timing technology, and a digital scoreboard.

The features are mandatory for hosting world-class swimming competitions. The expansive facility is also aimed at supporting a broader range of sports, making it a hub for diverse athletic activities.

Already Kenya Aquatics has submitted bids to host the inaugural Africa Aquatics Masters Meet and the Africa Aquatics Zone 3 Swimming Championship slated for 2025.

Machakos now stands as a beacon for other counties, demonstrating the potential of well-planned investments in sports infrastructure.

Mr Marigiri emphasized the broader vision behind the facility, saying swimming activities in the region will strengthen the role out of Kenya’s Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).

“Swimming is now a compulsory subject within CBC, which makes it crucial for counties to invest in standardised pools. This facility will set the pace, inspiring others to follow suit and provide learners with the necessary resources to excel in aquatics,” he said.

The launch of the pool symbolizes Machakos County’s bold ambition to transform itself into a sporting powerhouse.

As the first of its kind in the region, this pool is poised to become a flagship facility, attracting both local and international attention while raising the standards of aquatics sports across Kenya.