Construction of the long-awaited Gakoigo International Stadium is set to commence in the coming weeks following approval of the Sh750 million project by local residents during a public participation forum held on Friday.
The forum, held at Gakoigo grounds in Maragua and chaired by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, brought together community leaders, youth groups, traders, and sports stakeholders who unanimously endorsed the project. Locals described the stadium as a timely investment that will unlock economic and sporting opportunities for the region.
Addressing participants, Mwangi said the government is in the final stages of procurement, adding that the groundbreaking ceremony is expected to take place within the next three weeks. He noted that construction will be completed within 12 months once works begin.
“This project has gone through all the required processes including public participation. We are now finalizing the tendering stage and once that is done, contractors will move to site,” said Mwangi.
The 10,000-seater stadium will be the second modern sports facility in Murang’a County after the ongoing Mumbi Stadium, positioning the county as an emerging hub for competitive sports.
Construction will be supervised by the Kenya Defence Forces to ensure quality, adherence to timelines, and value for public funds. All existing structures on the nine-acre parcel earmarked for the stadium will be cleared to pave the way for development.
Once completed, the Gakoigo International Stadium will feature a standard soccer pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, modern changing rooms, administrative offices, and commercial spaces, including shops. The facility is designed to meet both national and international standards, enabling it to host high-profile sports competitions.
Mwangi assured local youth that the project will create employment opportunities, particularly during the construction phase, and encouraged young people to prepare to take up available jobs.
“Beyond sports, this is also an economic project. Young people should be ready to work, acquire skills and benefit directly from this investment,” he added.
The PS revealed that the government is implementing a broader sports development programme in the county, including the construction of sports academies in Mariira and Kandara. These academies aim to nurture talent from grassroots levels and create pathways for athletes to progress to national and international competitions.
Maragua Member of Parliament Mary Waithera welcomed the project, describing it as a game-changer for Maragua and surrounding areas. She noted that the stadium will stimulate economic growth by attracting visitors, creating business opportunities, and improving infrastructure.
“This stadium will boost the local economy, especially for traders, transport operators, and hospitality businesses. Maragua town stands to benefit immensely once construction begins and after completion,” said Waithera.
The MP added that Gakoigo’s strategic location makes it suitable for hosting national and international sporting events. She urged residents to support the project and take advantage of employment and business opportunities that will arise.
Residents attending the forum expressed optimism that the stadium will raise the area’s profile and provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents. Community representatives also highlighted hopes that the project will redefine sports, create jobs, and inject new life into the local economy.
by Bernard Munyao and Purity Mugo
