The recommissioned Uwanja wa Mbuzi grounds in the Kongowea area, Mombasa will now be called ‘Uwanja wa Ali Hassan Joho’ grounds.
Speaking during the opening of the recommissioned grounds, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir said the former governor and current had invested in grounds, including Uwanja wa Mbuzi, during his tenure.
“We have to agree that our brother Ali Hassan Joho was on the front lines in investing in grounds to ensure our youth have a place to play, all we are doing is continuing from where he left off, and because of that, I am instructing that these grounds be renamed from Uwanja wa Mbuzi to Uwanja wa Ali Hassan Joho,” said Governor Nassir.
The county is also in the process of compensating the land owner where the grounds sit to ensure ownership goes back to the county.
“The sub-county administration should have a sit down with the existing local sports affiliations and see how the youth can use these grounds. We do not want to hear the youth are being charged to use this ground, let us also not turn it into a sleeping area,” said the Mombasa Governor.
The artificial turf has been removed and replaced with grass. With the repair of the floodlights, the county is planning to organize night tournaments to be played at the Ali Hassan Joho grounds.
“The revitalization of Uwanja wa Mbuzi follows the refurbishment of Kongowea Social Hall and the construction of key roads, including Kongowea-Ratna Road, Kitaruni Road, Kaburi Moja Road, Matopeni Road, and Kwa Karama Road. These projects reflect our dedication to working closely with fellow leaders to ensure that the benefits of devolution reach the grassroots,” said Nassir.
A thrilling match between Nyali Strikers and Nyali Riders marked the official recommissioning of Uwanja wa Mbuzi Grounds following extensive refurbishment to enhance the pitch surface, canopy, facilities, and floodlights.