- Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru says modern sporting facilities can generate jobs and stimulate local economies.
- The government is constructing and upgrading stadia across several counties as part of a wider sports development programme.
- In Vihiga, attention has turned to accelerating the 10,000-seater Kidundu Stadium, whose construction stands at about 20 per cent.
The government intends to improve sports infrastructure across the country, with plans to construct and upgrade 33 stadia as part of a broader strategy to promote sports and stimulate economic growth. The 33-stadia programme has also been cited in recent reporting on the government’s nationwide upgrades.
Principal Secretary for Defence Dr Patrick Mariru said modern sporting facilities would serve as economic powerhouses by creating jobs and supporting businesses in host communities.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction works at Kidundu Stadium in Vihiga County, Mariru said projects across the country were at different stages of implementation.
He cited Kisii, where upgrading works at Gusii Stadium have commenced, while Kisumu is receiving a 10,000-seater sports complex. The 10,000-seat capacity of the Kisumu facility is confirmed by both Parliament and the Ministry of Defence.
Other stadia are being constructed or upgraded in Busia, Nakuru, Lodwar, Wajir, Voi, Bomet, Kapsabet and Kericho, among other towns.
Construction at 20 per cent
Mariru directed the contractor and engineers working on Kidundu Stadium to accelerate construction, saying the government expects the facility to be completed by December.
“The contractor is going to double the workers, and work will happen 24 hours,” said Mariru.
He said President William Ruto was expected to commission the facility upon completion, adding that the deadline was a firm government commitment.
“The completion and commissioning deadline is a commitment by the President and it will not change. We will monitor the progress on a daily and weekly basis to ensure that the project is delivered on time,” he said.
The PS called for closer collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges affecting construction and ensure the project remains on schedule.
Construction of Kidundu Stadium currently stands at about 20 per cent completion. Mariru’s latest update confirms the 20 per cent figure and describes Kidundu as a 10,000-seater facility targeted for completion in December.
County pledges support
Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo assured the national government that the county administration would support efforts to fast-track the project.
Ottichilo said a joint technical team comprising officials from the Ministry of Defence, the National Government and the county government had been established to oversee construction.
“We have a technical team from Defence, National Government and County Government. We are having the first meeting this week, and we will be meeting monthly,” said Ottichilo.
He said the county government would address water and electricity challenges at the site, including providing a generator and constructing a borehole to ensure construction continues without interruption.
The Governor also commended the contractor for employing local youth and women during the construction of the stadium.
Ottichilo said completion of Kidundu Stadium would be a major investment in Vihiga’s sports sector and wider economy.
He noted that the county has three teams participating in the Premier League that would benefit from the modern facility.
“This stadium will not only provide a modern sporting facility. It will create opportunities for businesses, employment and other economic activities in Vihiga,” said Ottichilo.
Sports facilities to spur economic activity
The government says investment in modern sports facilities is intended to provide better training and competition venues while unlocking employment and commercial opportunities associated with the sports industry.
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For Vihiga, the immediate focus is now on completing Kidundu Stadium by December 2026.
By Kimutai Langat
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