A wave of sports infrastructure development is sweeping across Kiambu County, with the construction of Thigio Stadium in Ndeiya Ward marking a major milestone in the region’s ambitious plan to promote youth talent, community recreation, and local economic growth.
The stadium, now about 90 per cent complete, is one of several projects spearheaded by the County Government of Kiambu through the Department of sports under a multi-million-shilling investment programme targeting sports and youth empowerment.
Thigio Stadium, located in the heart of Ndeiya Ward in Limuru Sub-County, is designed to serve as a hub for football, athletics, and other sports. The stadium features a standard-size football pitch with artificial turf, an athletics track, a multi-purpose court, changing rooms, and public amenities.
According to the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Ali Osman, artificial turf installation began in early July, marking the final phase of the Sh85 million project.
“The stadium is now in the finishing stages. What remains is the installation of stands and completion of the perimeter wall. We expect it to be fully operational within the next few months,” said Osman during a recent inspection.
Local youth have welcomed the project, citing the long-overdue need for quality sports infrastructure in the area. Simon Njenga, a 19-year-old footballer from Ndeiya, said the stadium will give talented players like himself the exposure and training environment they have lacked for years.
“This will be a game-changer. We’ll have a real field to train on, and hopefully scouts will start coming to our matches,” he said.
Thigio Stadium is part of a broader plan by the county government to upgrade and build at least seven stadiums across Kiambu. These include Thika, Kanjeru, Githunguri, Ruiru, Kirangari, and the nationally supported Kirigiti International Stadium.
Each stadium project is tailored to serve its surrounding communities while also meeting professional standards for county and national competitions.
Among the largest and most high-profile projects is the Thika Municipal Stadium, which had previously been banned from hosting official matches due to its dilapidated state. The county government has embarked on a two-phase redevelopment plan estimated at Sh200 million.
Phase one, currently underway, includes the construction of a modern grandstand, drainage systems, and kiosks for vendors. Phase two will add a running track, swimming pool, gymnasium, additional stalls, and improved lighting.
“This stadium will not only host sports events but also support hundreds of small traders and service providers,” noted Governor Wamatangi during a visit to the site.
In Kabete Sub-County, the Kanjeru Stadium in Gitaru Ward is also nearing completion. The Sh186 million facility will have a 16,000-seat capacity, an artificial pitch, an athletics track, and courts for basketball and tennis.
The project has been praised for incorporating small business kiosks and washrooms, making it suitable for both sporting and community events.
Other stadiums in the county are in varying stages of development.
The Ruiru Stadium project, with a Sh30 million budget, will include new seating and accessibility features and will also be fenced.
In Githunguri, Sh26 million has been allocated for upgrading the local stadium with modern amenities, while Karangari Stadium in Gatundu South is undergoing improvements under a Sh21 million plan.
“These projects are not just about sports,” said CECM Osman. “They’re about job creation, economic stimulus, and community pride.”
Beyond major stadiums, the county is also focusing on smaller local sports grounds across wards, including Kagwe, Gikambura, and Kamirithu, which have undergone upgrades such as levelling, drainage installation, and fencing.
Governor Wamatangi has emphasised that these initiatives are key pillars in his youth agenda. “We want to nurture talent from the grassroots up. Every ward will have at least one functional, safe, and accessible sports facility,” he said during a budget address.
The County Government of Kiambu has pledged to continue investing in sports infrastructure, with the ultimate goal of making the region a centre of excellence in athletics, football, and community sports.
Thigio Stadium, which is nearing completion, is slated for official unveiling soon and is expected to open doors to the public by early 2026.
This development comes as Kenya unveiled the Sports and Arts Infrastructure Masterplan (SAIM), a comprehensive blueprint aimed at transforming the country’s sports landscape.
The first phase of the plan focuses on upgrading stadiums to meet international standards, positioning Kenya to successfully co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
By Grace Naishoo
