Former US President Barrack Obama to Open Sports Facilities at His Ancestral Kogelo Village in Kenya

Former United States President Barrack Obama is set to visit Kenya on July 16th. for the first time since he left office in 2016.

During the one-day tour to Kenya, Obama will visit his ancestral K'Ogelo village in Siaya County, where he will preside over the official opening of global standard sport facilities.

 The facilities, which include Sauti Kuu Sports, a resource and vocational training centre, will be the first of their kind in Nyanza region and will host world class athletes.

His half sister, Dr Auma Obama, who is the founder of Sauti Kuu said the facilities comprises an international standard-size football pitch, volleyball and basketball court.

The construction of the football pitch was sponsored by the German Ministry for Development Cooperation, while a basketball court was funded by the Giants of Africa Foundation. 

Other facilities include a volleyball and netball court, a library, an information technology laboratory and a vocational centre “sponsored by multiple Sauti Kuu supporters, who will be in attendance”.

"I am so happy to finally inaugurate this centre after three years of hard work. The space will serve as a safe physical space for children, youth and their families to meet and interact regularly while participating in different sports and learning activities," Dr Obama said on Saturday, in a statement by Gina Din Group that is handling the event.

"Through educational, sports and learning activities, the centre will pave the way for a better future for Sauti Kuu children, youth and their families.”

Ms Obama said the ex-US head of state's presence at the opening will be significant and promotes his mission under the Obama Foundation.

"Given that his own mission under the Obama Foundation is to inspire and empower people to change the world, his attendance at this event at our ancestral home, where our father was laid to rest, is of great significance to me," she said.

"I am forever grateful for his support to help me realise my vision. This is just the start, we hope to be able to replicate our work in other parts of Kenya and Africa," she added.