Why tennis is still on the sidelines in Nakuru
Jay Juma during the group stages of the Nakuru Open Tennis Tournament.
After years of stagnation, tennis in Nakuru is finally showing signs of life, despite the many challenges.
Local players, organisers and enthusiasts are now stepping up to restore structure and consistency to a sport that has long been overshadowed by challenges such as limited facilities, high costs and a lack of coordinated support.
According to the organisers of the ongoing Nakuru Open Tennis Tournament, the county's tennis scene has remained underdeveloped compared to other regions.
"For a long time, tournaments have been organised informally by individuals, often resulting in delays or cancellations. This lack of consistency has hindered the growth of the sport in Nakuru," Solomon Imujaro, one of the coordinators of the event says.
While counties such as Nairobi and Mombasa regularly host structured tournaments, Nakuru's calendar is sparse, limiting opportunities for competitive play.
Another major barrier is the cost of participation. From equipment to training expenses add up quickly.
Gilbert Omwitsa during the group stages of the Nakuru Open Tennis Tournament.
"A good racket alone can cost Sh7,000 or more," notes Jumah Robert, another tournament organiser. "Add in court fees, travel, coaching and equipment, and it becomes unaffordable for many aspiring players."
Tennis in Nakuru remains a relatively niche sport, especially when compared to more mainstream sports such as football.
The current tournament is being held at a private, members-only facility - further highlighting the lack of public courts and the financial burden of organising such events.
Despite these setbacks, both Imujaro and Robert remain hopeful. They're calling on the community, private sponsors and the county government to invest in the sport by making facilities more accessible and developing public courts.
"We have the talent here," said Imujaro. "What we need now is the infrastructure and support to develop it."
They believe that with consistent support and better access, tennis in Nakuru can thrive and become a year-round sport for local youth and aspiring professionals.
The organisers hope that the Nakuru Open will serve as a turning point - not just as a tournament, but as a symbol of what's possible when structure meets passion.