The Principal Secretary for Defence, Dr. Patrick Mariru, under instructions from President William Samoei Ruto, visited Vihiga County on Friday, where he paid a courtesy call to Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo and inspected the proposed Kidundu Stadium site. The visit focused on reviewing compensation for families who are to relocate to pave the way for construction.
The construction of the Kidundu Stadium involves detailed planning, ground verification, perimeter survey, land acquisition, land evaluation, bidding, and land agreements.
Dr. Mariru said the stadium will have a 10,000-seater capacity with an international standard pitch, a parking area, and a borehole to provide water supply.
“We aim to construct a stadium that can host national leagues, not only local events,” he said, urging residents to embrace the project as a long-term benefit for the county and its communities.
He assured the residents that the Kenya Defence Forces will supervise the project but highlighted that locals will receive employment opportunities during construction.
The proposed Kidundu Stadium is among 25 stadiums being constructed nationwide, courtesy of President William Ruto.
“I want to thank the affected families for agreeing to be compensated and move from their land, some of which is ancestral. I appreciate your sacrifice for this project to commence,” said the Principal Secretary. He confirmed that by next week, Governor Ottichilo will ensure full compensation for remaining families.
Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo also thanked the residents for facilitating the stadium’s construction, particularly those who agreed to vacate their land. He lauded County Finance CECM Onzere Mulongo, Vihiga MP Ernest Kagesi, and area MCA Pauline Amwata for their roles in ensuring the project’s progress.
Project coordinator Hezekiah Nganyi noted that the stadium’s construction was announced by President Ruto during a meeting with Western Region leaders in Kakamega. He added that the total compensation for land sales agreements is Sh128,194,717, covering 20 land parcels, six with title deeds and 14 undergoing succession processes. County Commissioner Peter Maina pledged support for completing land acquisition.
The stadium will occupy a total of 15.46 acres. Other officials present during the site visit included Vihiga County Assembly Speaker Christopher Omulele, Deputy Governor Wilberforce Kitiezo, Woman Representative Beatrice Adagala, County Commissioner Peter Maina, Administration Police Commander Lucy Ithali, and other county dignitaries.
by Yvonne Misango and Florence Oteng’o
