THE NAIROBI PROJECT
Building the Nairobi, Kenya region's first regulation-size baseball, softball, and Little League fields; the first multi-field complex in East Africa.
The Vision
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Convert 10 acres of donated farmland outside of Nairobi into a baseball, softball & Little League complex at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology (JKUAT).
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Create an epicentre for baseball and softball activity in East Africa.
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Expand opportunities for young women and men to play baseball and softball in a formal setting.
BEFORE
NOW
FUTURE
Project Summary
The Nairobi Field of Dreams project is a groundbreaking initiative being spearheaded by the If We Build It organization in collaboration with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture (JKUAT) in Nairobi, Kenya. Despite the rising popularity of baseball and softball in the country over the last two decades, there is only one regulation baseball field in Kenya, which is located six hours away from the capital city.
The objective of the project is to construct a two-field complex, comprising one field for adult baseball and another one for hybrid softball/youth, capable of hosting both local and international games. The project aims to provide facilities that can seat over 500 people, training facilities, and incorporate water conservation and green design principles.​
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The Nairobi Field of Dreams project is set to become East Africa's first multi-field complex, a significant milestone in the region's sporting history.
JKUAT: A Leader in Learning & Sports Development
​JKUAT is one of Kenya's leading universities and is home to a robust sports program, including one of the country's most active baseball and softball programs; the majority of both the national baseball and softball teams comprise of young men and women from JKUAT. Located on the outskirts of Nairobi, JKUAT has set aside up to 10 acres of land to serve as the future epicenter of baseball and softball development in Kenya and East Africa. The University has also put forward staff and student resources to carry out an applied learning project involving multiple departments, including the JKUAT Department of Architecture.
Project Phases
The development of the fields is being done through a multi-phase approach and dictated by available funds. To date the project has raised $16,000 in crowdfunding.
Currently, the project is in the Improved Field Development phase, which is focused on adding basic infrastructure to the field, including top soil for grass, a backstop, fencing, dugouts, and preparing to develop the second field for softball and Little League.
Ground Breaking
September 2021
JKUAT officials, baseball and softball community members, and project team launched the community-driven effort.
Field Clearing
October 2021
$5,000 was raised through crowdfunding;
14,000+ square meters of brush at field location 1 was cleared
Minimum Viable Field
November 2021 - October 2022
To test existing soil conditions and prove demand, multiple baseball and softball games, a national tournament, and a youth skills camp were held. Additional technical specifications were identified after observation.
Improved Field
(Current Phase)
November 2022
- Ongoing
We're focused on improving the field for regular use - 2700 tons of soil was added, levelled and compacted, and a temporary backstop has been constructed. The remaining works include adding drainage, fencing, dugouts, and spectator seating. Top soil will be added to grow grass.
Little League & Softball Field Development
Mid/Late 2024
This phase will build on the lessons learned from the initial phases to rapidly develop the second field, which will be a hybrid softball and Little League field.
Advanced Fields & Stadium Development
2025
Advanced field and stadium development with supporting facilities for players and spectators; development of field 2 for youth baseball and softball. Explore options for lighting.
Project Team
Working directly with the IfWeBuildIt.org leadership team the "Nairobi Field of Dreams" project at JKUAT is a true "team effort" and is being designed and executed with the support and guidance of the administration, faculty, students, and staff at the University. Drawing on their deep technical and management experience, this project also is working to increase knowledge and capacity among faculty and students in the building and development of baseball and softball facilities. Deepning this experience will position these current and future professionals to build more fields in Kenya and across Africa in the future.
Community Partners
Nairobi Project Construction Support
Field Construction Services Contributor
2023 Stars & Stripes Celebration
Event Sponsor
Media Partner
Home Run Content Sponsor
Printing Partner
2023 Youth Skills
Clinic Sponsor
Community Partner
Community Partner
Community Partner
Community Partner
Community Partner
History of the Project
The project's origins date back to June 2019 when a conversation was had between North American Buffaloes players and JKUAT staff and leadership during a game between the Buffaloes and JKUAT Generals. During that conversation, JKUAT officials agreed that 10 acres of available university land near existing sports fields should be set aside for baseball and softball, if the North American team would help assist with the technical elements of building a baseball field.
Following the formal approval of the plan, the University made the project a priority student/faculty-led design process to provide applied learning for students in various departments. The University's Landscape Architecture and Architecture Departments' professors and staff are leading the design and build-out of the field, and the university has committed university farm equipment to aid in the construction efforts.
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In 2022, the North American Buffaloes representatives working on the project established IfWeBuildIt.org as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to help with the building and fundraising of the fields, as well as to bring awareness to the need to build fields across Africa where baseball and softball had taken root.
Project Photos
Donate & help build a field of dreams in Kenya
We're a group of baseball players based in Nairobi, Kenya working to build a baseball field that will evolve into a multi-field complex for baseball, softball and Little League stadium - the first of its kind in Africa.
Your donations will help us build a field of dreams in Kenya.
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