New KGU boss Githaka: Its time to take golf to schools

Newly elected Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman, Muchau Githaka has prioritised introducing the game in the school curriculum as he settles to his 2016/17 tenure at the helm.

Vet Lab Sports Club’s Githiaka was elected during the Kenya Golf Union Annual General Meeting held last Friday at Nairobi’s Muthaiga Golf Club where he took over from Anthony Muhoro who will continue sitting in the KGU board as the immediate Past Chairman.

“My main focus this year will be to try and introduce golf in the school curriculum and make sure that it gets integrated into the system just as they are doing with the other sports like athletics and football,” Githaika affirmed.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, the newly elected chairman also promised the Union will work with golf clubs in the County level so that they can make their courses available for individuals particularly young students who exhibit an interest in the game.

“We have spoken to clubs in the past and they are willing to partner with us to make this a reality and I want to make sure that they follow up on the promises they made.

“We have also been liaising with the government on the construction of the Kasarani Golf Course which will be open to the public and I can assure you that in the next 2-3 months the project will be done and the courses will be up and running,” he added.

Earlier in his maiden speech to the AGM, the new KGU Boss thanked all  golfers for exuding confidence in him and promised to dedicate his services to the Union at his best.

He promised to put more synergy on Golf development as well as searching and developing golfing talents across the country.

The Chairman promised to strengthen Golfer of the Year tournament by supporting the players as well as the host clubs with technical assistance in course preparations, running events as well as refereeing.

The new chairman added that “Golf is a disciplined sport and can contribute to country’s economy” He promised to uphold this and engage the relevant stakeholders in making achieving this reality.

The outgoing chairman, Muhoro applauded Githaika’s election and hoped that he would continue the good work achieved by the union during his tenure at the helm.

“During my time, we started golf outreach programs, initiated the Kasarani project, increased the number of tournaments played in the country, developed the game internationally and I hope the trend continues with my successor,” said Muhoro.

During the same meeting, Richard Nyongesa Wanjala (Muthaiga) was elected as the new Vice-Chairman and in what can be described as a game of musical chairs, past executive Anthony Murage was elevated to Honorary Treasurer while Lucas Maranga retained his post as Honorary Secretary.

Out of the 10 proposed candidates for the six available positions for KGU executives,  the successful elected candidates included; Ndiga Kithae (Thika), Asif Padamshi (Windsor), George Gathu (KAF) Peter Kiguru(Sigona), Vincent Wang’ombe (Limuru)and Ben Omuodo from Royal Nairobi Golf Club.

The election of the KGU Officials is held annually during at Muthaiga which is the home of the governing body in May.

Clubs send delegates to represent them in the AGM who have been categorized to provide equity in terms of number of members in each club.

Report by Eric Kagunda