Ruto promises more stadiums in Machakos and Makueni counties
By Joel Masibo, October 20, 2025President William Ruto has pledged to construct more sports stadiums in the larger Eastern part of Kenya, specifically in Machakos and Makueni counties.
Speaking during the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations at the newly constructed Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County on Monday, October 20, 2025, the Head of State directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to fast-track the projects.
”Kenya is known as a sports hub; for that, we need more stadiums in this region. I direct CS Mvurya to ensure that we have stadiums in Machakos and Makueni,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s directive comes days after Cabinet Secretary for Creative Economy, Youth Affairs and Sports, Salim Mvurya, 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 was expected to 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, but the plans were disrupted by the demise of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Ithookwe Stadium handover
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.
”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.”
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.