Narok Prison to face Kabarnet Prison in Rift Valley Football Mental Wellness tournament

Rift-Valley Prisons Regional commander, Assistant Commissioner Generalof Prison Barnabas Keino (center) with Narok Prison in Charge, Commissioner of Prisons Benson Lomeri (left) with his Nakuru Main Counterpart Commissioner of Prisons, Joseph Saitoti during the launch of Rift-Valley Prison football mental wellness at Nakuru main prison recently. [Courtesy]

Narok Prison is set to reignite its football rivalry with Kabarnet Prison in the second round of the Rift-Valley Prisons Football Mental Wellness Tournament on Wednesday.

The highly anticipated match will take place at the William Ole Ntimama Stadium, where Narok will be looking to leverage their home advantage after drawing 0-0 with Nakuru Main in the opening round of Pool A.

Narok Prison, under the guidance of Commissioner of Prisons Benson Lomeri, expressed confidence in his team’s readiness to take on Kabarnet Prison.

Lomeri emphasized the importance of starting the tournament on a high note, saying, “We want to start this mission on a winning note because I trust my players can deliver good results and set our path for the regional title.”

The tournament, launched last month by Rift-Valley Prisons Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner General Barnabas Keino, aims to promote mental wellness among prison officers through sport.

During the launch at Nakuru Main Prison, the opening game between Narok Prison and Nakuru Main ended in a goalless draw.

Commissioner Keino highlighted the mental health challenges faced by officers and the need for activities like football to help them manage the pressures of work and home life.

“The mental issues are now a challenge to most people, and we want to set our officers in the right mindset when conducting their daily activities at their workstation and at home. We are also educating them on the dangers of drug abuse,” said Keino.

Aside from the Narok-Kabarnet clash, 11 other matches are lined up for the second round across different prison venues in the Rift Valley region.

In another Pool A matchup, Eldama Ravine will host Nakuru Command at Eldama Ravine Grounds.

Pool B will see Sotik Prison, who are fresh off a resounding 8-2 win over Bomet Prison, face Kilgoris Prison at Sotik, while Kericho Command will meet Bomet Main at Kericho Prison.

Kapsabet Prison will kick off Pool C action against Ngeria Farm at Kapsabet Main, with Eldoret Prison hosting Tambach Prison.

Meanwhile, in Pool D, Lodwar Main is set to battle Kitale Annex at Lodwar Prison, and Kitale Main will renew its rivalry with neighboring Kitale Medium at Kitale Main.

In Pool E, Nanyuki Main will take on Maralal Prison at Nanyuki Prison in the only match of the group.

Pool F features a showdown between Nairobi West and Naivasha Command at Nairobi West, while Kitengela faces Kajiado Main at Kitengela Prison.

As the tournament progresses, these matches will be pivotal in determining the teams that will advance, as well as in continuing the focus on mental health and wellness for prison officers across the Rift Valley region.