The long-awaited construction of Mandera’s modern 10,000-seater stadium is set to commence after the county government officially handed over the project site to the Ministry of Defence, paving the way for the implementation of one of the region’s largest sports infrastructure projects.
The project, pledged by President William Ruto during his NYOTA Programme visit to Mandera, is expected to transform the county’s sporting landscape by providing a modern facility for athletes, youth, and the wider community.
The official handover ceremony was led by County Secretary Billow Issack and County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Social Development Mohamed Omar, alongside officials from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the appointed contractor. Construction is expected to begin once the contractor completes mobilization.
Once completed, the facility will feature a 10,000-seater stadium, a VIP pavilion, modern changing rooms, a standard football pitch, an athletics running track, cabro-paved parking areas, a borehole, and a canopy covering the stadium.
Speaking during the handover, County Secretary Billow Issack described the project as a major milestone for Mandera’s development agenda, noting that the facility will create opportunities for young people while promoting sports and talent development.
“This is a transformative project for the people of Mandera. The county government remains committed to working closely with the national government, KDF, and the contractor to ensure the successful delivery of the stadium within the expected timelines,” said Issack.
He noted that the stadium will provide a platform for nurturing local talent, hosting sporting events, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in sports.
County officials said the facility is expected to position Mandera as a regional sporting hub while creating economic opportunities linked to sports, recreation, and community events.
The county government has pledged full support throughout the construction phase, emphasizing the importance of close coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the project’s successful completion.
By Adan Mohamed
