County governments have been asked to put up sustainability programmes for the newly constructed sports facilities for posterity.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya lamented that the government is grappling with the challenge of having the sports infrastructure projects sustained after their completion.

Speaking in Kisumu town on Thursday, December 18, 2025, when she officiated the ground-breaking ceremony for the modernisation of Moi Stadium, CS Tuya suggested that the devolved units can put up other supportive economic ventures around the sports facilities as a sustainability plan to ensure their posterity.

“One of the major challenges we are facing is the sustainability of the state-of-the-art sports infrastructure being put up across the country. This implies that county governments must have a proper, sustainable plan for these projects going forward,” she said.

“These sports arenas, being multi-use facilities, provide opportunities for other supportive economic activities which can thrive around them,” she added.

International-standard complex

The modernisation of Kisumu’s Moi Stadium aims to create a state-of-the-art facility for youth talent and major sporting events, putting it on par with national and international sports facilities.

The planned multimillion shillings upgrade is focused on transforming the aging venue of the stadium into an international-standard complex.

The construction works will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Defence and are expected to conclude next year.

Upon completion, the 10,000-seater capacity stadium is expected to be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a roofed pavilion, a football pitch, and an eight-lane athletic running track, among others.

According to CS Tuya, the just-launched project is part of the government’s broader national agenda to modernise sports infrastructure across the country as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic growth.

She reiterated that refurbishment of the stadium is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, promoting sports excellence, and investing in facilities that empower young people.

“This facility will serve as a vital hub for sports development, providing a platform for young athletes to identify, nurture, and showcase their talents while competing at national, regional, and international levels. It will also contribute significantly to community cohesion and healthy lifestyles,” she explained.

Governor Nyong’o welcomes the plan

On his part, Kisumu governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o welcomed the project, saying the redevelopment of the iconic stadium will not only improve sports activities in the area but also contribute significantly to economic growth and uplift livelihoods.

Governor Nyong’o announced that the stadium will encompass a sports museum to honour sports heroes, an art gallery, and modern shopping.

“This stadium is no longer a place to hone football talent; it is becoming the foundation of economic growth for Kisumu County. The construction work we begin today is the epicentre of a much larger economic vision,” Nyong’o said.