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Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen inspected the long-delayed Ksh596 million Kirigiti Stadium project urging swift completion after years of uncertainty.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made an impromptu visit to Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County on Friday, expressing both optimism and concern over the delayed completion of the multi-million-shilling project.
The stadium, which has been under construction for several years, was initially touted as a flagship sports infrastructure project set to host national teams, including Harambee Stars.
Last year, the government earmarked Kirigiti Stadium, alongside Nairobi’s Ulinzi Complex, as a venue to shift national team matches due to the planned renovation of Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums.
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05:31 - 07.12.2023
STADIA The current sorry state of Kirigiti Stadium after renovations worth Ksh596 million
Kirigiti Stadium's unfinished dreams and neglect haunt East Africa's hopes, as taxpayers wonder if it will ever fulfill its promise.
Both facilities were closed to prepare for Kenya’s bid to host the prestigious 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leaving Harambee Stars forced to play home matches in Uganda.
"Sports infrastructure is crucial for talent development and in ensuring sustainable livelihoods. As a ministry, we are dedicated to delivering these facilities to help our youth develop their talents and monetise their skills," said Murkomen in a statement.
The stadium, which sits just two kilometers from Kiambu Town, has left many Kenyans puzzled over the delay, especially given the substantial investment of Ksh596 million.
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The 15,000-seater facility was declared 90% complete a year and a half ago, but since then, little progress has been made towards its official opening.
Despite promises and earlier expectations, the stadium still stands unfinished, causing frustration among sports fans and the local community.
"As part of this commitment, I conducted an inspection of Kirigiti Stadium to assess its progress. I'm impressed by the work done, and we are now focused on finalising key areas, including installing seating, setting up technology infrastructure, and completing the playing field," Murkomen noted during the inspection tour.
He added that the facility would be completed as soon as possible though he did not provide a specific timeline.
The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Kiambu MP Machua Waithaka and the county's Sports CEC, Ali Korar.
Their visit comes at a time when public outcry is growing over the slow pace of the construction, with many expressing concerns about the stadium's financial transparency and mismanagement.
"Kirigiti Stadium is an important national monument, being the venue where our founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, addressed his last rally before going to detention. Equally, it's our desire that in this stadium, our youth will find their socio-economic liberation," Murkomen emphasized.
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In 2022, just before the general elections, the stadium was scheduled for an official launch, but the event was abruptly canceled, leaving the project mired in further delays.
In August 2023, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) gave the green light for the stadium to be used, following a comprehensive assessment by the FKF Venue Inspection Committee.
However, despite the clearance, no matches have taken place at Kirigiti Stadium and construction work still lingers on.
Murkomen revealed that he would soon meet with officials from Sports Kenya to discuss the completion date, review financing options, and make necessary approvals to ensure the stadium becomes operational.
"I'll be meeting Sports Kenya to discuss the completion date, review financing, and make the necessary approvals so that the four long years of waiting can end," he said, underscoring the need for urgent action.
One of the key challenges remains the stadium's financial sustainability. Murkomen reiterated the ministry’s aim to make sporting venues self-sustaining through revenue generation.
"Our goal is also to make our stadiums self-sustaining by generating revenue, and I'm happy to note that Kirigiti has spaces that can be monetised. I invite the private sector to join us in investing in our sporting facilities across the country."
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