‎In recent months, the Afraha Stadium Annex in Nakuru has come alive with vibrant sporting activities, particularly football and volleyball.

The once-quiet ground has transformed into a training hub, providing an alternative space for young athletes to nurture their talents and remain engaged in productive activities.

‎‎From as early as 9 a.m., groups of young people engage in football and volleyball matches, while nearby, school-going boys enjoy fun recreational games.

‎‎Additionally, the facility now has two makeshift football pitches and five makeshift volleyball Pitches, offering a much-needed variety for the growing number of volleyball enthusiasts.

Football players training at Afraha Annex on 11th November 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

Day by day, more young people are drawn to the grounds, eager to train and showcase their potential.

‎‎According to Geoffrey Esebwe, a coach with the Kenya Junior Volt Volleyball Academy, the team began using the facility last year after facing congestion at the Shabab Grounds.

‎‎“We used to train at Shabab Grounds, but there were too many people, both footballers and volleyball players, competing for the same space. The volleyball poles occupied a lot of room, leaving others without enough space to train,” he explains.

‎‎Esebwe recalls that the move to Afraha Annex came by chance. “I was passing by the Annex when I met a junior team coach and asked if we could share the space. He told me we could use it as long as we cleared the bushes,” he says.

‎‎The neglected section of the field was later rehabilitated by Esebwe, making it suitable for volleyball training.

‎‎Since relocating to Afraha Annex, the Kenya Junior Volt Volleyball Academy has grown to include over 40 players.

‎‎Interestingly, the facility has also attracted street children who have developed an interest in playing volleyball.

Cows graze at Afraha Annex on 11th November 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

‎‎Esebwe proudly notes that there has never been any conflict between the various groups using the grounds, a sign of harmony and shared purpose among the youth.

‎‎However, despite its positive transformation, the pitch has not been free from controversy. About five months ago, a post on the Nakuru County Government’s Facebook page suggested that the facility might be repurposed for an affordable housing project.

‎This sparked uproar among sports stakeholders in the county, who swiftly filed a formal petition with the Nakuru County Assembly to oppose the proposal.

‎‎Interestingly, the pitch is still a grazing land for some urban farmers.

Afraha annex finds new purpose as training grounds for football, volleyball teams

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Muthoni Wanjiku