New hockey club putting Makueni on Kenya's sporting map
Reading Time: 5min | Mon. 12.05.25. | 19:39
The club, officially registered in late 2024, is not just a team - it is a statement of ambition, resilience, and grassroots revival
Since hockey's inception in Kenya during the colonial period, the sport has been synonymous with regions like Nairobi, Western, Nyanza, and the Coast.
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But that trend is slowly shifting. The Eastern region, often overlooked in national hockey conversations, is steadily carving its own space in the sport, and leading the charge is Makueni Snippers Hockey Club, the region’s latest addition to the Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Men’s National League.
The club, officially registered in late 2024, is not just a team - it is a statement of ambition, resilience, and grassroots revival. Spearheaded by Samuel Mutinda, a passionate coach and hockey evangelist in the region, Makueni Snippers is drawing attention for all the right reasons.
Founded in 2018 by three men — two high school alumni and police officer Roy Khaemba Wafula, the idea for the club was born out of a simple desire to keep hockey alive in the region during school holidays.
“We started with just one hockey stick,” recalls Mutinda. “We saw potential in students around us and began training during school breaks.”
By 2019, their numbers had grown to 10, most of them high school coaches. Despite initial setbacks, including resistance from fellow educators who doubted their approach, the founders doubled down on their vision.
They focused on nurturing young talent, steadily building a reputation through local tournaments. Today, Makueni Snippers proudly boasts six trophies from competitions held across the county.
From Dream to the League
Registering the club with the Kenya Hockey Union was no mean feat. At their annual meeting in September 2024, the team resolved that each adult player would contribute Ksh3,500 and each student Ksh2,500 to fund the registration.
The funds also helped kit the team with official jerseys and register individual players for league participation.
“We want to win the national league in our first attempt,” says Mutinda with confident optimism. “We believe we can make it.”
Mutinda’s passion for hockey runs deep. He began playing in class five and quickly rose to captain his high school team at Kathozweni Boys.
Upon completing school, he took up coaching — a journey that has seen him mentor teams at Makueni Boys and Girls, Ukia Girls, Kathonzweni Boys, St. Joseph Girls Kibwezi, and now, Matiliku High School.
It is with Matiliku that Mutinda tasted recent success, guiding the team to county and regional titles before making a splash at the nationals.
“Despite limited training time, the boys were committed. We even won a medal for Best Goalkeeper,” he says proudly.
That experience has shaped his coaching philosophy. “At first, I focused heavily on tactics and drills, but now I see the value of mentorship and relationships. It’s not just about the game — it’s about building people.”
Makueni Snippers is a melting pot of alumni, current students, and local talent. Recruitment is intentional and high school tournaments serve as scouting grounds for students, while commitment and passion guide the selection of adult players.
“We’re preparing by ensuring compliance with all league requirements - from club registration with the county sports registrar to acquiring team kits and documents,” Mutinda explains. “We’ve also forwarded everything needed by KHU.”
But beyond just being league-ready, the club is also laying the foundation for a regional revolution.
Igniting Hockey in Eastern Kenya
Snippers is more than just a team, it is a spark for Eastern Kenya’s hockey movement. Through its coaches and network, the club is helping seed hockey programs in schools like Ukia Girls, Gigiri Girls, Mbooni Boys, and Kalulini Boys.
Plans are also underway to launch a county league featuring school teams, subject to approval from the County Director of Education.
“We want the Eastern teams to not just participate at the national level, but to win,” says Mutinda.
Community reception has been encouraging. “People expect a lot from us. We’re always looking for talent at the district and regional levels and bringing them into the club.”
Like many grassroots teams, Snippers faces financial and logistical challenges. The club is entirely self-sponsored. However, support has trickled in from key allies. Makueni County’s Sports Director, Ambrose Kisoi and his assistant, Madam Gladys, have offered the county bus for travel (though the team must fuel it) and provided a training ground equipped with floodlights and washrooms.
A veteran hockey player, Engineer Tibo, has also donated a goalkeeper’s kit.
But the team still needs help. “Financial support is our biggest need if we are to thrive,” Mutinda emphasises.
Despite the hurdles, the vision remains bold. In the short term, Makueni Snippers aims to win the National League and secure promotion. Long-term, the plan is to establish multiple teams, including a women’s side and become a powerhouse in the Kenya Hockey Premier League.
More importantly, Mutinda sees the club as a future pipeline for the national team. “With the right coaching, infrastructure, and culture, we can develop players ready for elite hockey,” he says.
Balancing his dual roles at Matiliku and Snippers is not easy, but Mutinda makes it work. “I stay highly organised, communicate clearly with both teams, and plan ahead to avoid conflicts,” he says.
A Message to the Youth and Stakeholders
“Believe in your potential and never underestimate what dedication can achieve,” says Mutinda, addressing young hockey hopefuls in Eastern Kenya. “Your passion and effort can take you far. Talent can rise from anywhere, including Makueni.”
He also calls on stakeholders to step up: “KHU should invest in affordable equipment and youth programs. Local leaders must build infrastructure and support grassroots efforts. Corporate sponsors can ease the financial strain and help grow the sport.”
Five years from now, Mutinda sees Makueni Snippers as a stable, well-sponsored club with a strong county association supporting talent across the region. “We want to be a superpower competing for the Premier League championship,” he says.
For now, though, they are just getting started — and the rest of the country better take notice.
