Push to gazette Ngong Hills as elite athletics hub gains momentum

Ngong Hills is edging closer to formal recognition as a high-performance training zone, with community voices and policy proposals aligning to safeguard the iconic landscape while unlocking its full athletic potential.

The Ngong Social Justice and Environment Centre is leading calls to gazette and protect the hills as a premier athletics hub, placing environmental conservation and athlete development at the centre of the proposal.

Speaking from a community standpoint, organisation member Mbiriri Mwaura underscored the urgency of preserving the terrain amid shifting climate patterns, warning that environmental degradation could directly affect athletes' performance.

"With extreme weather changes, athletes would not be able to participate well. We hope to have Ngong Hills gazetted as a high-performance high area,” said Mwaura, who is also the Ngong Ward Member of the County Assembly.

He affirmed the community’s collective resolve to see the initiative through, adding: “As a community, we confirm and affirm we are ready as steadfast and particular on this course.”

Mwaura noted that the proposals are anchored on a dual approach—protecting the environment while creating structured systems to support athlete growth. He revealed that the initiative also seeks to align with emerging sports development frameworks, including partnerships with

the newly established SOYA Academy to identify and nurture grassroots talent.

Speaking during the launch of the Sports Personality of the Year Awards on Wednesday, Mwaura said the long-term vision extends beyond competition to lifestyle and sustainability. “I am here to celebrate as sports is not just about winning but recognising lifestyle,” he said.

He further outlined legislative intent to formalise protection of the area, stating: “We have come up with proposals and policy in it to safeguard Ngong Hills and its environment,” while committing to improved athlete welfare and training standards.

“We will ensure we continue to improve training conditions even for athletes looking to emulate the best of the best,” he added.

The proposed transformation builds on Ngong Hills’ established reputation as a high-altitude training base, rising between 2,200 and 2,460 metres above sea level near Nairobi. Its unique terrain—featuring forest trails, steep undulating climbs and speed-friendly lower routes—has long shaped endurance and resilience among elite runners.

The area has also hosted structured training activities, including programmes under the Tegla Loroupe Foundation, further reinforcing its credentials as a talent development hub.

With both community backing and policy direction now taking shape, attention shifts to the formal gazettement and implementation frameworks that would regulate usage and preserve the ecosystem.

Stakeholders believe the move could ultimately elevate Ngong Hills into a fully structured high-performance centre—cementing its role as a pipeline for future champions while safeguarding its ecological and sporting value for generations to come.

Meanwhile, Sankara Nyagaya, also from the organisation, warned that extreme weather threatens athlete performance, calling for the gazettement of Ngong Hills as a high-performance area while affirming that the community remains steadfast and ready to support the initiative.