Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKF-PL) side Shabana FC has received a major boost after the government launched the upgrading of the Gusii Stadium in Kisii town to meet international standards at a cost of Sh1 billion.
President William Ruto presided over the groundbreaking ceremony at the stadium on Sunday and the construction will be overseen by the Kenya Defence Forces.
The six-month project is set for completion by December this year and Shabana will have to seek an alternative venue for the remainder of the season and part of next season.
Gusii Stadium, owned by the Kisii County government, currently hosts Kisii-based side Shabana FC’s home games and other lower league games.
Key improvements under consideration will include the expansion of the football pitch, upgrading of the running track, and other works.
The expansion had been delayed because the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) offices had occupied about five acres within the stadium grounds.
However, the government has allocated funds to the ASK management to facilitate their relocation to pave the way for the expansion of the stadium.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati lauded the President for supporting the expansion of the stadium, saying it will boost economic activities for the local community and enhance Shabana’s brand prestige.
Shabana was also handed a brand new, modern team bus by President Ruto to aid in the movement of players and the technical team at the same event.
According to information shared by club officials, the bus is a double-axle Isuzu unit featuring high-end interior finishing designed to maximise player comfort for long-distance travel.
While originally designed for 65 passengers, it has been customised to accommodate 45, allowing for extra legroom and VIP seating areas, similar to high-end coaches.
The bus, which is red in colour (Shabana’s home colour), arrived in Kisii town on Saturday from Nairobi, accompanied by a section of Shabana supporters who had travelled to Nairobi to bring the bus home.
Hundreds of Shabana fans thronged the stadium to witness the unveiling of the new bus, saying it represented a major upgrade for the club as they replaced the old bus which was handed to them by the former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2020.
Shabana FC Secretary General Elizaphan Kerama extended his gratitude to President Ruto for giving the team a modern team bus, saying it will improve the players’ welfare and travel.
Several leaders in the Gusii region accompanied the President during the ceremony, including Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Kisii Governor Simba Arati and State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke, who is the Goodwill Ambassador of Shabana FC, among others.
By Mercy Osongo
