Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has inspected the ongoing works at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, the venue for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.

Mvurya, who was accompanied by Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, county leaders and officials from the National Celebrations Committee, confirmed that the stadium is 80 per cent complete. He said the project remains on track for handover by 6 October, in time for the national event.

“When I first visited this site, it was a greenfield showground. Today, we stand at a nearly completed 10,000-capacity modern stadium, a testimony to the strong partnership between the national and county governments. We are on schedule to hand over this facility by 6th October in readiness for Mashujaa Day,” Mvurya said.

He noted that the main works left include the pavilion, the perimeter wall, and auxiliary facilities. Mvurya added that the stadium will not only serve Mashujaa Day but will also boost grassroots sports, talent development and sports tourism in Kitui.

Ruto’s bold vision

The government is also upgrading the Kitui Airstrip and surrounding roads to improve access to the stadium. The CS said these improvements will benefit the county even after the celebrations.

Highlighting the broader sports agenda, Mvurya said President William Ruto has directed the rollout of 30 new stadiums nationwide.

“H.E. President William Ruto’s vision for sports is bold, firm, and deliberate, anchored on the construction and upgrading of facilities to international standards. Ithookwe stands as a testament to this promise,” he said.

The CS also addressed delays at Wote Stadium in Makueni County. He explained that the original plan for a 10,000-capacity facility faced engineering challenges due to the site’s terrain. The Ministry has now scaled the project down to 5,000 seats while seeking new land for a bigger stadium.

“No county will be left behind. In some regions, we will establish sports academies; in others, 10,000-seater or 15,000-seater stadiums,” he said.

Mvurya assured Kitui residents that more upgrades will follow after Mashujaa Day, including a tartan track, modern changing rooms, and other amenities.

“This is the time for Kitui. Hosting Mashujaa Day brings enormous opportunities, but beyond the celebrations, this facility will anchor lasting socio-economic benefits,” he concluded.