Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and Ifwebuildit organization are working on a partnership deal that will see the organization upscale the University’s baseball ground to be the epicenter of the sport in Kenya and beyond.

The proposed partnership between JKUAT and Ifwebuildit will transform the university’s 10-acre baseball grounds into a premier destination for the sport in Africa. The collaborative effort aims to elevate the facilities and make them a central hub for baseball enthusiasts and athletes alike.

This was revealed on Monday, December 4,2023 when the co-founder and manager of the Nairobi Buffaloes Baseball Club and founding board member of the organization, Thom Wallace, paid a courtesy call on the JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi.

While welcoming the visiting team to the University, the Vice Chancellor was elated at the proposed partnership stating that she holds sports in high regard in the development of students’ talents.

“I am very pleased with this partnership to enhance the University’s baseball grounds. This partnership signifies our diversity and we also welcome onboard the United States of America. I am specifically happy because since beginning of my tenure, sports has been at heart of my framework,” said Prof. Ngumi.

To cultivate well-rounded and marketable graduates, Professor Ngumi revealed that JKUAT has ramped up sporting activities in the University to align with industry demands for individuals excelling in academia and in extracurricular activities.

Thom Wallace expressed enthusiasm in collaborating with JKUAT, emphasizing the partnership marks a significant stride in advancing the sport within the country, as well as servicing as a crucial source of social capital.

He highlighted the profound impact this collaboration is expected to have on the local sporting landscape, underscoring its role in fostering community engagement and enhancing the overall societal well-being.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research Production and Extension, Prof. Jackson Kwanza said the University will move fast to ensure the process is on schedule within the stipulated timelines.

On his part, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua was full of praise for both partners for working in tandem to ensure that the process is smooth. He added that the revamped baseball grounds will be a huge magnet to sports enthusiasts within the university and in the country as a whole.

Also present during the ceremony were: Eng. Hiram Ndiritu who represented Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Principal, College of Pure and Applied Sciences, Prof. George Thiong’o, Director Sports, Dr. Waweru Kamaku among others.

The discussions between JKUAT and ifwebuildit (if we build it) organization, now pave the way for the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

JKUAT and and ifwebuildit to ink Partnership to Bolster Baseball Grounds