(Samson Midigo is a columnist who writes on self-development and travel diaries)
If you have not been to the Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground, you haven’t touched base with the heartbeat of Kisumu County.
This is the place to cool off the feet, catch up on the next appointment or curl up with a good book while in the lakeside city.
Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground offers a calm shade by indigenous trees and gives you one of the best views of the city.
The architectural design of the ground has a touch of a traditional, yet modern look.
Here are five reasons why Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground is such a monument for Kisumu:
1.Significance and similarity
“OD Mikayi,” is to Kisumu, the KICC in Nairobi City. Have you noticed the distinct unique shapes of these two striking buildings? OD Mikayi (Thingira as popularly known) are the centrepiece attractions in Kisumu and Nairobi cities respectively.
The position, place and pattern of these impressive buildings reflect cultural traditions of two different communities sharing a rich past traditional heritage.
These two buildings present the perfect picture of the family unit, which is the foundation of the Kenyan society.
2. Entrance and exit
Four gates mark the entrance to and exit from Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground. Motorcycles and public service vehicles plying various routes in Kisumu, load and offload travellers on the pavement of the main eastern gate.
Traffic is heavy at this gate compared to the other three gates combined. You can walk in, spend time and exit the ground through a different gate.
The eastern gate is the shortcut entrance, to and from the city centre, through the western gate.
Whichever route you take, you pass next to OD Mikayi, on the right or left-hand side. Walk around the bend on the terrace past the pond and you’re deposited on the back street of Kisumu city centre.
3.Space and security
Should you plan on having a blind date, make the grounds your venue. It is safe and secure.
4. Serene scenery
Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground is the refuge spot from Kisumu's scorching sun. The cool breeze from the sleeping giant -- Lake Victoria -- lying below ten minutes walk gives the ground life and energy.
5. Shape and sense
The ground’s shape, whether by default or design, echoes a religious undertone.
OD Mikayi is in a class of its own on the ground, giving modern monogamous marriage credibility in a traditional setup. The round shape of the roof and wall signifies continuity. The traditional typical grass thatch has been replaced by wooden tiles.
A replica of OD Mikayi is at the Museum or deep in the county side.
Therefore, whatever your preference of quality time, out alone or in the company of friends, family, fun, business or pleasure; Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground is the one spot to visit in Kisumu City.
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