A simple rugby ball can change a child’s life, and in Nakuru, a former player is ready to inspire 35 children.

Former Kenyan international rugby star Teddy Omondi returned home with a mission: to strengthen the pipeline that produces Kenya’s next generation of rugby stars. His visit saw 12 rugby balls distributed to Menengai High School, 11 in Nakuru Teachers Rugby Academy, and six balls for both Menengai Oilers, and Nakuru RFC (Wanyore).

The former Shujaaz player who has spent over a decade playing professionally in France and now works as a regional development officer for the French Rugby Union in Paris, says this ecosystem forms the backbone of future talent.

“Each ball represents an opportunity to grow as a young player,” he says.

Teddy Omondi, Rugby Regional Development Officer in Paris donates rugby balls to Nakuru teams on November 24,2025

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA / MTAA WANGU

Teddy’s initiative came shortly after leading a women-focused coaching and administration programme supported by AFD, Rugby Afrique, World Rugby, the French Federation of Rugby, and Kenya Rugby Union (KRU). After the programme ended, he extended his impact beyond Nairobi, choosing Nakuru as a key stopover through his former Shujaa teammate and current Menengai Oilers head coach Gibson “Gibu” Weru.

His aim is to support community organisations using rugby as a vehicle for unity, discipline, and personal growth.

For Nakuru’s clubs and schools, the donation is far more than a tally of balls. Gibson Weru explains that equipment has always been one of Kenyan rugby’s biggest obstacles.

From left Back row, Menengai oilers Head coach Gibson Weru and Teddy Omondi, Rugby Regional Development Officer in Paris in the company of Menengai Oilers players as they received ball donations

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA / MTAA WANGU

“Rugby balls are expensive; a single ball can cost Sh 6000 and getting enough to last a significant period is always welcomed. A rugby ball changed my life, a rugby ball changed Teddy’s life. These balls will change more lives and give boys and girls an opportunity to play the sport they love at a high level," Weru says , noting that the impact is immediate, especially in development pathways.

Weru notes that Kenyan rugby often suffers from a severe shortage of balls, making training inefficient and limiting growth. With 50 players using just two balls, touches are minimal. But with adequate supplies, coaches can split children into smaller groups, allowing each player to increase their touches from as low as five to over 100 within the same hour.

Weru says the ideal ratio is two balls per six players, meaning schools with 60 players need at least 15 balls per session. The balls given will now make this possible for schools.

Menengai Oilers Head coach Gibson Weru during an interview on how ball givens to Nakuru rugby community on November 24,2025 will impact the sport especially in development pathways

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA /MTAA WANGU

One of the biggest beneficiaries is the Nakuru Teachers Rugby Academy, which received 11 balls. Head coach John Theuri says this solves one of their toughest challenges: managing between 100 and 150 children with just three balls.

Theuri says the academy draws players from Mawanga, Kiti, Bahati, Free Area and Lanet, with some starting as young as nine. Having enough equipment will now allow every child to get more touches, increasing confidence, concentration, and skill development. The coach also believes the donation will sharpen their competitive edge.

"The academy has a strong record; last year’s boys were East Africa champions and this year they narrowly lost the final to Kisii. Even their junior teams consistently reach finals. The extra balls will strengthen this pathway and keep the programme's tradition of excellence alive," he notes

From the Left front row, Teddy Omondi Rugby Reginal Development Officer in Paris, Gibson Weru Menengai Oilers head coach , Menengai Highschool head coach Evans Adenya , in the company of Menengai high rugby players, as they receive balls donated to Menengai Highschool by Omondi.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA / MTAA WANGU

At Menengai High School, head coach Evans Adenya says their 12 donated balls will significantly boost training from Form 1 beginners to senior players. Previously, a shortage of equipment forced multiple classes to share balls, slowing down drills and making skill-building difficult.

"With enough balls, each grade can now train independently. The school, a former national and East African contender and last season’s county runners-up, believes this boost can revive stalled opportunities such as sports scholarships and talent pathways," Adenya says.

Still, Gibu urges stakeholders to think long-term.

“If Kenya gets enough balls in schools and clubs, the sport will touch more lives, and we will improve by five to ten times as a country,” he says.

Omondi echoes the sentiment, challenging private partners, political leaders, and public institutions to support programmes that help young people access constructive, life-changing opportunities through sport.

wanjirukinuthia0@gmail.com

Nakuru Teachers Rugby Academy: From humble beginnings to regional powerhouse