Kenya has made significant strides in the development of bowls, particularly through its commitment to training and nurturing local talent. Recently, the Kenya Bowling Federation took a proactive approach by sending three of its members to a coach training course organized by World Bowls during the Africa States Tournament in Windhoek, Namibia. The participants were Esther Wanjiru, Pio Munyingi, and Bernard Ndungu, who successfully completed the course and have since become accredited coaches.

These coaches are now dedicated to expanding the coaching framework in Kenya, aiming to train more local coaches and to cultivate a new generation of umpires and International Technical Officials (ITOs). Their efforts are crucial for enhancing the quality and competitiveness of bowls in the country.

In addition to coaching initiatives, Bowls Kenya is also launching a youth development coaching program at the Nairobi Club, targeting individuals under 25 years of age. This program is designed to engage and develop young bowlers, ensuring the sustainability and growth of the sport in Kenya.

The program received a boost from Robert Paxton, the 2020 Indoor Bowls World Champion and 2024 runner-up, who recently visited Kenya. His endorsement of the country’s bowling potential, after witnessing the skill of the newly trained youth bowlers, suggests that Kenya is on the path to becoming a formidable competitor in international bowls.

Overall, the combination of accredited coaching, youth engagement, and international recognition positions Kenya as a rising force in the global bowls community. The future looks promising as the country continues to invest in its bowling infrastructure and talent development.

Thanks to Bernard Bernard Ndungu, the Hon. Secretary of the Kenya Bowling Federation for this article.