Z. Owuor (L) Bobby G (C) Ibanzi (R)
A team of officials recently elected to the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission (KPBC) is determined to resurrect Kenya boxing from the doldrums.
The team led by its Secretary General Mr. Franklin Ibanzi and the former Makadara MP. Reuben Ndolo arrived in Germany on March 10 and traversed the country holding talks with different German boxing clubs to establish boxing exchange programme between the two countries, courtesy of Kenya Development Associates-Germany.
The programme’s main objective is to see Kenya back on the world boxing arena. Alongside running races Kenya dominates the country was also known for winning boxing medals at the Olympics, The Commonwealth Games and in other international tournaments.
Mr Ibenzi explained to this writer that Mr Joe Aketch, the former Nairobi mayor laid the foundation of this Commission in 1981 with a noble idea – to provide unemployed youth with talent in boxing as a career option. But unethical management and corruption tendecy, coupled with lack of government commitment the programme stalled. Not any more.
Kenyan youth wishing to take up boxing as a profession, can now see the light at the other end of the tunnel.
In December, 2014, KPBC secured a certificate of affiliation at a convention organised by the World Boxing Commission in Las Vegas. The US Boxing Commission committed itself to train Kenyans aspiring to become Ring Officials, Judges, and Referees. This was an incredible decision that will see Kenyans officiate boxing tournaments world-wide.
In addition, Kenya’s boxing promoters will have the opportunity to train in boxing promotion matrix, currently lacking in the country. Hon. Ndolo expressed his optimism that, these breakthroughs and initiatives, will definitely restore Kenya’s past glory that put it ahead of its African counterparts. However, to succeed added Ndolo, President Uhuru’s desire to get the youth out of squalor ought not to be transient policy.
The history of Kenya’s athletes is littered with gloomy and sad endings. Like many of their compatriot, Robert Wangila the first Olympic gold medallist in 1988 who died in abject poverty.
No doubt Kenya’s sportsmen and women in various disciplines have done Kenya tremendous proud, but the flip side is how fast we relegate our heroes to obscurity shortly after they retire.
Conjestina “Hands of Stone” Achieng, the first African woman to hold an international title in boxing, and the legendary Bronze medallist in welterweight Dick “Tiger” Murunga are ailing in Siaya and Bombolulu (Mombasa) without medical care respectively.
Maurice Odumbe, a veteran cricketer is not sick but languishing in poverty and dejection in Nairobi.
According to Ndolo, the commission has put in place a five plan that includes furnishing gyms with modern physical training kits, adding that key to success in sport requires discipline and good social welfare and public support.
The commissioners took cognisance of German sports prowess and saw the prudence of engaging Robert Bobby, a prominent Kenyan businessman based in Frankfurt to promote the initiative and coordinate progress.
By Mickie Ojijo
