http://www.nation.co.ke/sports/rugb...+stadium+at+Unga+/-/1106/1184028/-/1539rhf/-/ KRU asks for help to build stadium at Unga By AYUMBA AYODI, sayodi@ke.nationmedia.com Posted Friday, June 17 2011 at 01:20 The government should help Kenya Rugby Union to acquire the Unga grounds, opposite the Rugby Football Union of East Africa, to enable the construction of a modern rugby stadium. Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, who is also the KRU patron, told his Cabinet counterpart Paul Otuoma (Sports) that the initiative lies with his ministry. “The acquisition of the land will be important to the game’s development in the country since it comes at the time the union aspires to host major international events on the International Rugby Board calendar,” said Mudavadi. He was speaking upon the launch of the KRU Master Plan by the union’s chairman, Mwangi Muthee, on Wednesday night at the Nairobi Serena. The launch was attended by, among others, Otuoma, his ministry’s permanent secretary, James Waweru, Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch and chief executive officers from several multinationals. KRU has paid Sh40 million out of Sh70 million for the land but the major task will be putting up the 30,000-seater stadium. Otuoma emphasised that sports needed quality infrastructure to develop and that implementation of the anticipated Sports Policy will enhance the process. Take Bill to Parliament He took issue with those holding back the Sports Bill and called on Attorney-General Amos Wako’s office to take it to Parliament for debate and clearance. “The process started in 2002 and I believe there has been a lot of consultation involving major stakeholders in the sports industry,” said Otuoma. “Bringing the bill to Parliament doesn’t mean that doors will be closed for any dissenting views. “In case of an oversight, there will be enough opportunity to participate in review.” The minister assured KRU of the government’s support in realising their dream, adding that the ministry will double its funding to the union to Sh20 million this financial year. “We won’t support people who are just fire-fighting. We want to engage federations right from their planning and that is why KRU deserves support,” explained Otuoma. The KRU Master Plan, which was well received by the packed ballroom, seeks to make rugby Kenya’s “new” big sport with refined search for fresh talent. More so, the intended stadium will have a centre meeting international standards for the benefit of the players, spectators and sponsors. It will ease administration through provision and development of spectator stands, floodlights, VIP pavilion, corporate suites, office and sports conference rooms, media centre, sports mall, merchandise shop, sports bar and restaurant, and rugby library. “Our sponsors deserve a better return on their investment, building their brand equity as they build rugby,” said Muthee. “Our fans – player number 23 – will be well taken care of, with good facilities, shielding them from the harsh elements.” The union intends to invest in equipment – including tackle bags, scrum machine, tackle shield, hit shields and balls – across the country where they have introduced rugby centres.