Cabinet Secretary for Creative Economy, Youth Affairs and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has officially handed over the newly constructed Ithookwe Stadium to the National Celebrations Steering Committee ahead of the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Following its handover ceremony conducted on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, President William Ruto will officially preside over the official opening of the facility on Friday, October 17, 2025, ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the same venue.

Speaking while handing over the stadium, CS Mvurya noted that the country has been lagging in sports owing to a lack of proper stadia facilities, adding that such initiatives will give every Kenyan the right to enjoy all disciplines of sports.

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”Kenya’s sports development has lagged over the years, yet it remains the right of every Kenyan to enjoy quality sporting infrastructure and opportunities. Guided by the clarion call of President William Ruto to integrate sports into our national development agenda, we are witnessing a transformative shift, and today, for the first time since independence, Kitui County proudly boasts a new modern stadium as part of this vision,” Mvurya said.

The Sports Cabinet Secretary continued by saying, ”President Ruto’s vision remains steadfast, ensuring that every citizen, in every part of the country, enjoys their rightful share of progressive development. The heavy investment in Kitui County is a clear demonstration of this commitment.”

Combined effort

Salim Mvurya further lauded the strong collaboration between the National Government and the County Government of Kitui.

He said the collaboration that led to the completion of the particular project reflects the deep support, unity, and gratitude shared in advancing national development.

”Today, under the visionary leadership of H.E. President Dr William Samoei Ruto, that right is being fulfilled in real and meaningful ways, as Kitui County proudly celebrates the unveiling of a new, modern stadium as part of this transformative national vision,” Mvurya said.

Meanwhile, as Mvurya handed over the Ithookwe Stadium to the National Steering Committee on National Celebrations, represented by Secretary of Administration Kodek Makori, Kenya is still on course to improve its stadium facilities as the country gears up to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Tanzania and Uganda.