By Nelson Musungu, Bungoma
Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi is set to be completed within the next one month and handed over to the Bungoma County Government, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has confirmed.
Speaking to the press after a site inspection and assessment, PS Mwangi said that the contractor had assured the ministry that the stadium would be ready for handover soon.
“We have engaged the contractor, and he confirmed that in the next one month the stadium will be ready. Most of the work has been completed, so far it is landscaping and roofing that remains, which is currently in progress,” said Mwangi.
He noted that although progress had earlier been slow, the project is now 94 percent complete.
The PS expressed confidence that the remaining work would be finalized on time, urging local youth to take full advantage of the facility once completed.
“The youth are the main beneficiaries of this project. Use this stadium to grow your talents as sports pays just like any other job,” he added.
Mwangi further revealed that a team comprising an engineer from Sports Kenya, officers from the Public Works Department, and representatives from both the national and county governments would meet immediately to agree on the best materials for the playing surface and running track.
“The team will prepare a report on the recommended materials to ensure the stadium meets FIFA standards,” he emphasized.
He assured residents that the stadium will match the quality of other modern facilities across the country, adding that landscaping would be the final phase to enhance its appearance.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who accompanied the PS during the visit, reaffirmed the county’s commitment to working closely with the national government to ensure the stadium meets international standards.
“The county was tasked with developing the playing surface and the pavilion, and as you can see, most of the work is done,” said Lusaka. “Our focus is to ensure the stadium is completed to FIFA standards so we can nurture talent from the grassroots.”
The governor added that once the technical report is submitted, the county will seek national government support in areas beyond its capacity.
“After receiving the experts’ report, we will request the national government to step in where necessary so that we meet the set timelines,” Lusaka stated.
Governor Lusaka commended the collaboration between the two levels of government that has brought the project close to completion and urged the contractor to speed up the remaining work to ensure timely delivery.
