lowereas
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, led a high-level inspection tour of the ongoing construction at Ithookwe Showground Stadium in Kitui County, the designated venue for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Accompanied by top county and national officials, CS Mvurya expressed satisfaction with the progress of the stadium’s construction, which currently stands at 15% completion. He confirmed that the contractor is on track to hand over the facility by October 6, 2025, in time for the national holiday event.
“This stadium will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 people once complete. The project is progressing well, and we shall continue to monitor it closely to ensure quality and timely delivery,” said Mvurya.
The CS further emphasized President William Ruto’s directive that all national sports facilities must meet international standards, enabling Kenya to host not only national functions but also global sporting events.
“We are keen to ensure that sports facilities across the country become income-generating assets through hosting international tournaments and other events, just like in other countries,” he noted.
He also called on the contractor to prioritize local labor and involve the surrounding community in the construction works, adding that such projects should bring economic value directly to residents.
Deputy Governor Augustine Kanani, who accompanied the CS, described the project as a significant milestone for Kitui County. He affirmed the county government’s commitment to supporting the successful completion of the stadium.
“We provided the land for the stadium, and we are now calling for continued collaboration with the national government to ensure the remaining phases of this critical project are completed efficiently,” said Kanani. He also echoed the call for community inclusion in the ongoing works.
County Assembly Speaker Kevin Kinengo Katisya pledged the legislative arm’s full support for both the national and county governments through cooperation and collaboration, saying such unity is key to successful service delivery.
Among other dignitaries present were Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Rutto, County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Culture, Gender and ICT Mrs. Phoebe Mutemi, CECM for Roads and Public Works Eng. Reuben Itiko, CECM for Lands and Housing Development Mr. Fredrick Kimanga, various chief officers, and members of the County Assembly.
The Ithookwe Stadium project, once complete, is expected to transform Kitui into a regional hub for national celebrations and sports development while promoting local economic growth through job creation and infrastructure development.
ENDS///…
