Updates on 10,000-seater stadium construction in Kitui [PHOTOS]
.jpg)
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 03.09.25. | 09:05
The 10,000-seater facility is expected to be complete before Monday, 20 October, when it is expected to be in use
The Government of Kenya (GoK) continues with its mission to increase and improve sporting infrastructure in the country, with yet another arena- Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County nearing its completion.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Over the past two years, the government has been carrying out an ambitious plan to upgrade Kenyan stadia across the country.
This was part of the government fulfilling its promise to improve sporting infrastructure and was further necessitated by the country's lack of a single CAF-approved stadium, forcing Harambee Stars to host its matches beyond Kenyan borders.
Further, Kenya also successfully, alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda, won the bid to host the just concluded 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which necessitated the upgrading of various stadia.
With the majority of the previously constructed and upgraded stadia located in Nairobi and Western Kenya, the government is also speeding up the process of completion of one stadium in the Eastern region.
According to photos shared on Facebook by Interior and Coordination of National Government Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, the Ithookwe stadium located in Kitui County continues to take shape, three months after commencement.
The structural works of the terraces, the VIP lounge, internal access roads and pedestrian walkways have been completed with only finishing works remaining.
According to the photos, work on various parts of the stadium continues simultaneously as the playing surface is on its final touches, with grass already installed and continues to be watered, mowed and fertilised to mature.
The stadium will also contain a tartan track, which is expected to be installed in phase two of the construction.
“The roofing of the terraces remains the final major work before completion. This project reaffirms the government's continued investment in sports infrastructure, coming on the heels of Kenya's successful co-hosting of the CHAN 2024 finals and in line with preparations for the upcoming AFCON 2027, which Kenya will also co-host,” reads part of Omollo’s post.
The 10,000-seater facility is expected to be complete before Monday, 20 October, when it is expected to be in use.
“The stadium has already been designated as the official venue for this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations in October, cementing its place as a national landmark,” posted Omollo.
With unemployment, especially amongst the youths, remaining one of the major challenges in Kenya, Omollo reiterated the stadium's importance to reduce the alarming number of unemployed.
“Beyond sports, Ithookwe Stadium is already creating jobs during its construction phase, while its completion will open new opportunities in sports tourism, hospitality and trade, thereby boosting the regional economy and revenue streams,” he concluded.
With Kitui County lacking a team in both the FKF Premier League and the National Super League (NSL), the facility is expected to be used by grassroots teams as a way of nurturing and improving talent.
Apart from Ithookwe, the government, through President William Ruto, announced Monday, 8 September, as the commencement date for the construction of the second phase of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya.
The second phase will include canopy installation on the whole stadium. Currently, the canopy covers only the VIP stand.
The government is also upgrading the dilapidated Migori County Stadium to a 10,000 seater stadium intended to meet CAF standards.
Additionally, in conjunction with the county government, the phase two construction of the Bukhungu Stadium - home to Mozzart Bet-sponsored Kakamega Homeboyz is also underway.
Other stadia which were upgraded under the model of national holidays include the Raila Odinga Stadium (ROSH) in Homa Bay, Kericho Green Stadium and the Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma.
For the purposes of CHAN, the government renovated the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium to CAF standards.
Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Stadium and both Kasarani Annex Upper and Lower were also upgraded and were used as training grounds in the biennial continental tourney.
