Makini School Kisumu, has launched what is now the largest
swimming pool among private schools in Kisumu, marking the milestone with an
inter-school swimming tournament that drew learners from across the region in a
spirited display of sporting talent and teamwork.
The new facility, which measures 25 metres by 17 metres, was
officially unveiled on October 10 during a day-long competition organized in
collaboration with the Kisumu Aquatic Association.
The event brought together pupils from over 10 private and
public schools who competed across various swimming categories, celebrating
skill, endurance, and sportsmanship.
Makini School Kisumu dominated the event, accumulating a
total of 2,013 points to emerge as the overall winner of the tournament.
Outstanding
performers received trophies, medals, and certificates of participation,
highlighting the region’s growing enthusiasm for competitive swimming.
Speaking during the event, Horace Mpanza, the Regional
Managing Director of Makini Schools, said the tournament reflected the school’s
ongoing commitment to holistic education and community engagement through
sports.
“The energy and enthusiasm we witnessed reaffirm our
commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners. Sports are not just about
competition, they are about character, teamwork, and resilience,” said Mpanza.
He added that the new swimming pool positions Makini Kisumu
as a regional leader in sports infrastructure, noting that the facility is part
of the school’s broader investment in modern learning and recreation spaces.
Earlier this year, Makini unveiled a Sh100 million sports
complex at its Nairobi campus as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance
co-curricular programs.
Dr. Mary Okelo, Founder of Makini Schools, emphasized the
importance of sports in shaping confident and capable learners. She said the
facility would help equip students with essential swimming and life-saving
skills, especially in a region where water safety is a growing concern.
“Swimming and other co-curricular activities empower students to excel not only academically but also personally,” said Dr. Okelo.
“This pool gives our learners a safe environment to train,
compete, and grow into confident individuals ready to take on challenges.”
The pool is staffed by a full-time swimming coach and a
certified lifeguard who oversee all training sessions.
Safety has been prioritized, with clearview fencing around
the pool area and prominently displayed safety and emergency procedure boards.
Swimming lessons have now been formally integrated into the
school’s curriculum, ensuring that every learner develops swimming proficiency
as part of their regular studies.
Parents, students, and representatives from the Kisumu
Aquatic Association attended the launch, commending Makini for investing in
sports infrastructure that promotes youth development and talent growth.
“This facility will go a long way in improving access to
structured swimming training for young people in Kisumu,” said one
representative from the association.
“It’s an investment that benefits not just the school but
the wider community.”
Makini Schools operates five campuses across Kenya — Ngong
Road, State House Avenue, Runda, Migosi, and Kisumu City, under the ADvTECH
Group, which manages over 119 schools across Africa.
With the unveiling of the new pool, Makini School Kisumu
continues to position itself as a centre for academic excellence and sporting
achievement in the western region, setting a new benchmark for private school
sports facilities in Kisumu.
