Thika’s half-Olympic swimming pool to make Kiambu the new home of champions

The ambitious project, championed by Governor Kimani Wamatangi, is being hailed as a landmark investment that could change the sporting, economic, and social fortunes of the region.

Flanked by Engineer Anthony Ng’ang’a from Genesis Sports Limited, the officials commended the county government for daring to dream big.

For years, Kiambu athletes and schools have been forced to train in private facilities or travel long distances to access standard pools. Now, for the first time, a public facility of international standards is within reach.

George Munene, Liaison Officer at Kenya Aquatics, the national swimming body could not hide his optimism.

Speaking at the site, Munene described the pool as “a game-changer,” emphasizing its role in talent development and positioning Thika on the continental map.

“This facility, if constructed to exact specifications of World Aquatics, will open doors to local, regional, national and continental championships,” Munene said.

“Imagine the whole of Africa descending on Thika for one event. A single continental championship can pump up to 500 million shillings into the local economy through hotels, transport, tourism, and logistics.”

Munene also pressed the engineers to ensure the pool measures precisely 25 meters in length, a requirement by World Aquatics in order to be hosting sanctioned championships.

He revealed that Kenya is currently bidding to host the Africa Aquatics Masters Swimming Championship next year — and Thika is already earmarked as a strong contender for the venue.

Beyond international events, the pool will also serve as a home ground for Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) swimming nationals, drawing young talent from across the country to Kiambu.

Osman Korar, County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs and Sports also speaking to the media stressed the broader impact of the facility.

“We appreciate Governor Wamatangi for approving this landmark facility,” Korar said.

“It is not just about swimming — it is about creating jobs for our young people, from pool attendants to maintenance to lifeguards to coaches, and offering opportunities for youth empowerment.

“When the facility is busy, our youth will be employed, our traders will have customers, and the entire town will thrive.”

The ripple effect is clear: from food vendors around the stadium, to transport operators ferrying visitors, to hotels and guesthouses welcoming athletes and officials.

Thika’s small businesses stand to benefit greatly, and the town’s economy could experience a surge akin to hosting mini-tourism seasons during every championship.

Kiambu County has always been known for its proximity to Nairobi, its industrious people, and its growing education hubs.

But with Thika on course to city status, investments like this pool send a clear signal: Kiambu is serious about sports, youth empowerment, and economic diversification.

Sports historians often note that Kenya’s global reputation rests heavily on athletics and rugby.

Swimming has long lagged behind, partly due to lack of infrastructure. With Thika’s half-Olympic pool, the county is not only filling a gap but also daring to compete on new sporting frontiers.

Moreover, water safety, drowning prevention and swimming skills are invaluable life tools, especially for schools.

Generations of students in Kiambu will benefit from access to a proper pool — something their predecessors could only dream of.

Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration has been keen to cement a legacy of progressive infrastructure.

For residents of Thika, this project is more than cement and water; it is a symbol of possibility.

By adhering strictly to World and Kenya Aquatics standards, Kiambu ensures the pool does not become “just another leisure facility,” but instead a hub of excellence, revenue, and inspiration. A place where future Olympians may first dive, where continental medals could be contested, and where Thika’s economy could ride a fresh wave of growth.

As the foundations are laid, anticipation is already rippling across Kiambu. Soon, the county may not only boast of the region's first standard public half-Olympic pool but also claim its rightful place as a rising hub of aquatic sport in Africa.

With every brick and tile, Thika’s pool is more than a structure; it is a promise. A promise to the youth, to the athletes, to the people of Kiambu — that their county is ready to make waves.