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Chapter 24. Nairobi
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following courses: U.K. based: Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Association of Business Executives (ABE), The Institute of the Management Information Systems (IMIS); and Kenya-based Professional Banking Course (KNEC) and computer software.
Nairobi Oshwal Sports Facilities: The community used to own a sports ground off the present Uhuru Highway but in late 1950 A.D., the government took it over to make room for Uhuru Highway. In exchange, the government gave land for sports facilities on Thika Road. To cater for the demand of sports among young people, it was decided to build a modern sport complex on this land. The community received a major donation from the Meghji Pethraj Charitable Trust and the foundation stone for a sports pavilion was laid on July 17, 1961. The pavilion was opened on July 22, 1962. The facilities did not become popular with Oshwals, as the distance from the center of Nairobi was considerable. The facilities were eventually sold. Later, the community built a swimming pool on the Wambugu Road. Once again, the young people lobbied for a sports center. It was decided to build a large sport complex next to the existing swimming pool on the Wambugu Road near other Oshwal-owned facilities. The foundation stone of the complex was laid on April 25, 1982. The work of the sport center was completed within a year. The center was opened on May 22, 1983.
Oshwal Center: As the number of Oshwals increased, there was a need for larger and better facilities for social functions with ample parking. After a long search for suitable land near the city, the government gave 13 1/2 acres of land located on Ring Road in the Westland area in 1985 A.D. The land had to be filled to level the ground. The river, passing through the land, had to be canalized and covered. A proper system to drain the water had to be installed. The paved access and internal roads had to be built. To enclose the compound for privacy a wall of