From the moment Moses Kimani first saw a pool table in Eldoret, he was captivated.

Then below 18 years of age, Kimani longed to hold the cue stick like the others, but he was not allowed.

Months later, when he was finally given a chance, he not only played but also won—despite the game being a gamble.

Moses Kimani aims at a ball during the Space pool fiesta competition in Nakuru city.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

Born in Pondamali in Nakuru, Kimani kept sharpening his skills, learning the tricks of the game. When he moved back to Nakuru, he started playing in local joints for money, which led to him being scouted.

“I was born in Pondamali and moved to Eldoret for a while where I started playing pool. When I returned to Nakuru, I kept playing, and that’s when I was recruited to join Amazon Team,” he recalls.

Kimani got a mentor called Henry Mulwa who played a crucial role in his journey, encouraging him and covering his tournament fees.

He went on to play for Amazon for two years before joining various teams in Nakuru, competing in both national and international tournaments.

Today, pool is his full-time career, allowing him to support his family entirely through the sport.

“Through pool, I can feed my family and take care of my needs. Many people see pool as just gambling or linked to crime, but I’ve shown it can be a legitimate career,” he says.

Though he is yet to win an individual title, Kimani has secured multiple team victories. In individual tournaments, he has finished second multiple times, earning up to Sh. 80,000 per event.

His talent eventually led him to the top-ranked national team, Mchana. He hopes to continue playing professionally and serve as a role model for young people in Nakuru.

“I want to inspire the youth to see pool as a viable career while also changing the negative perception surrounding the sport,” he says.

For his counterpart Chol Riak, his love for pool was sparked in high school, but it wasn’t without challenges.

Chol Riak aims at a ball during the Space pool fiesta comeptition in Nakuru.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

Riak remembers how his strict father disapproved of the sport so strongly, that he had him reported to the police, leading to his arrest.

“My dad was a disciplinarian, and he was completely against me playing pool. But I was determined and kept playing,” Riak recalls.

In college, he began playing professionally and participated in his first tournament.

Riak’s skills soon caught the attention of scouts, leading him to join Team Amazon and later Team Chilli’s, where he is the captain, leading his team to victory in major tournaments across Nakuru and beyond.

Riak says he trains twice a week, increasing his sessions as tournaments approach.

Asked what support he feels is needed to grow the sport in Kenya, Riak urges the government to support young players by organizing more competitions and providing essential equipment.

“To get started in pool, proper equipment is a must, but it’s expensive. One needs around Sh. 50,000. Therefore, government support is crucial in helping young talents grow in the sport,” he says.

Looking ahead, Riak hopes to establish a team to nurture upcoming players and contribute to the growth of pool in Nakuru and beyond.

Biz Lounge: How we turned our love for Pool into a full-time job

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Muthoni Wanjiku