Speaker of the N.A. Dr Moses Wetang’ula whacks a golf ball at Kitale golf club today in the morning.
By Micah Sali.
KITALE, Kenya.
The National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetang’ula on Saturday morning underscored the unifying power of sports as he officially launched the Speaker’s Golf Tournament at Kitale Golf Club, marking its 100th anniversary.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker commended the club for a century of promoting sportsmanship and togetherness, praising its role in fostering unity across Kenya.
“Sports has the unique power to bring people together, transcending ethnic boundaries,”
“Let us strive for a united Kenya that reflects the values of inclusivity and togetherness.”he said.
He encouraged citizens to adopt the principles of teamwork and collaboration, not only in sports but in every aspect of national progress.
Quoting golfing legend Ben Hogan, he said, “The most important shot in golf is the next one,” urging Kenyans to focus on forward-looking efforts to drive development and prosperity.
The Speaker also reflected on Kitale’s historical roots, noting its establishment as a colonial settlement in the early 20th century.
He pointed out that Kitale Golf Club, founded by British settlers, served as a leisure hub for the colonial elite, part of a broader pattern of segregated social infrastructure across the country.
“Kitale Golf Club is a testament to how far we’ve come in transforming colonial-era institutions into inclusive spaces that serve all Kenyans,” he said.
He highlighted other colonial-era golf courses, such as the Royal Nairobi Golf Club (established in 1906), the Muthaiga Golf Club (1913), Nyeri Golf Club (1910), and Eldoret Golf Club (1924), which were also built primarily for British settlers.
Similar facilities, including polo and cricket fields, were constructed in towns like Nairobi,Naivasha, Nyeri,Nakuru,Limuru and Kisumu, reflecting the settlers’ social structures and recreational preferences.
The Speaker called on Kenyans to reframe the legacy of these institutions by embracing them as spaces of unity and diversity.
“As we celebrate 100 years of Kitale Golf Club, let us also celebrate our progress as a nation, where such spaces now symbolize inclusivity and shared heritage,” he said.
The centennial event drew golfers and dignitaries from across the country, underscoring the enduring relevance of golf in Kenya’s sporting and cultural landscape.
Ends.
