The government has intensified efforts to improve sports infrastructure across the country as part of a broader strategy to promote sports and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking Friday during an inspection tour of the ongoing construction works at Kidundu Stadium in Vihiga County, Principal Secretary (PS) for Defence, Dr. Patrick Mariru, said modern stadia would serve as economic powerhouses by creating employment and supporting businesses.
The PS said the government was targeting the construction and upgrading of 33 stadia across the country, with projects at various stages of implementation.
He cited Kisii, where construction of a stadium has commenced, while Kisumu is set to have a 10,000-seater stadium similar to the facility being developed in Vihiga.
Other stadia are being constructed or upgraded in Busia, Nakuru, Lodwar, Wajir, Voi, Bomet, Kapsabet, and Kericho, among other towns.
Dr. Mariru called on contractors and engineers working on Kidundu Stadium to accelerate construction works, noting that the facility is expected to host the 2026 Jamhuri Day celebrations.
“The contractor is going to double the workers, and work will happen 24 hours,” said the PS, adding that the president was expected to commission the stadium before December 12 this year.
He said the completion and commissioning deadline was a commitment by the president that would not change, adding that progress would be monitored on a daily and weekly basis.
Dr. Mariru further called for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges affecting the project and ensure that construction progresses as scheduled.
Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo assured the PS that the county government would support efforts to fast-track completion of the stadium.
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 the project.
“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 the Governor.
He said the county government would address challenges related to water and electricity at the project site, including providing a generator and constructing a borehole to ensure uninterrupted works.
The governor also commended the contractor for providing employment opportunities to local youth and women during the construction of the stadium.
Ottichilo said the stadium was an important investment for Vihiga, noting that the county has three teams participating in the Premier League that would benefit from the facility.
He said the completion of Kidundu Stadium would not only provide a modern sporting facility but also create opportunities for businesses, employment, and other economic activities in the county.
Construction of the Kidundu Stadium in Vihiga County has reached 20 per cent completion, with the government stepping up efforts to ensure the project is completed in time to host the 2026 Jamhuri Day celebrations.
By Rose Wasike
