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The County Government of Kiambu has begun the construction of nine stadiums across the devolved unit with a view to meeting FIFA standards even as it aims to create adequate platforms for young people to nurture and exploit their respective sporting talents.

Works are ongoing at Thika Stadium, Kanjeru in Kabete, Kagwe at Nyanduma Ward in Lari, Nyamathumbi in Gatundu North, Kawaida in Kiambaa, and Thigio in Limuru, while tenders have already been awarded to construct and upgrade Githunguri, Ruiru and Gikambura Super 99 stadiums. Each of the sixty wards will also have at least a playing ground graded and landscaped.

Through the directorate of sports, the Governor Kimani Wamatangi-led administration is already upgrading Thika Stadium, which was closed on January 11, this year, when the project was commissioned.

The stadium will be constructed in two phases, whereby phase one will focus on completing the stalled stand, thereby increasing the capacity for spectators, levelling the pitch and building stalls for local traders.

Phase two will involve constructing a modern athletic track, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium, according to a statement.

The county is also constructing over 300 stalls on the external side along the perimeter wall in two phases, where the first one will comprise approximately 100 kiosks and the second will have over 200 stalls to be allocated to existing traders who have been operating around the stadium.

“This initiative not only enhances our sports infrastructure but also fosters economic growth within the community,” the Governor said.

On Monday, the county government rubbished claims that it had poured manure in the stadium to allegedly thwart a tournament associated with Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a.

The county not only disassociated itself from what it described as “despicable actions” by malicious and sympathy-seeking individuals” but also demanded that investigations be carried out, saying the stadium has been out of use for the last three months.

“For the record, since the ongoing renovations were started on January 11, 2024, by Kimani Wamatangi, Governor of Kiambu County, the stadium has remained unavailable for any activities for the last three months. The County Government invites the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to investigate these despicable actions, which can only be attributed to malice, to pursue petty political conflicts by shallow-minded and sympathy-seeking individuals who fall short of leadership quality and integrity,” the county said in a statement.

Further, the contractor is already working on the upgrade of Kanjeru Stadium in Kabete Constituency, the first of its kind on the west side of Kiambu County which has never had a good stadium.