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By RODGERS ESHITEMI
Former President Kibaki at the Great Rift Valley Lodge.
Former President Mwai Kibaki is confident Kenya will host a successful 15th East Africa Golf Challenge.
The three-day tournament, which started yesterday, has attracted golfers from six countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda and Burundi.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony on Tuesday at Great Rift Valley Lodge in Naivasha, Kibaki, who is also the patron of Kenya Golf Union, said for Kenya to be chosen to host the event shows the members believe that the country had the capacity.
“As would be expected, the Kenya Golf Union is extremely delighted to play host to this regional challenge. And as always, hosting this special event is a moment of profound joy and pride. Your presence, and in particular the confidence you have shown in our country, demonstrates Kenya’s enduring appeal as a destination,’’ said Kibaki.
“Besides, it signifies your confidence in our region’s future despite the hiccups visited upon us recently by enemies of peace and harmonious coexistence. Our resilience as a nation and indeed as a region is greatly boosted by this confidence.”
According to the retired president, regional games help in integrating people in the East African Community.
“I am certain that just as this golf challenge has succeeded for 15 straight years, we can and will achieve the ideals set for the East African Community,’’ he continued.
“In this event I see the signs of great success in the realisation of one of the most important goals of the East African community namely, free movement of people and goods across the entire region.”
He also thanked the organisers, Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (Scotland) and the corporate sponsors for their continued support to golf.
“I wish to pay special tribute to all the key institutions involved in organising this event and particularly the Kenya Golf Union,” said Kibaki.
“Let me also express my special gratitude to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland, for their commitment in supporting golf in general and this event in particular.”
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