Construction work on the historic Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County is now at 90 per cent complete.
The upgrade project is fully funded by the national government with the already completed phase estimated at a cost of Sh596 million.
The state of art stadium with a sitting capacity of 15,000 is one of its kind not only in Kenya but in East Africa.
According to the project manager, Sanghani Saghar a contractor with Modern Precast, the stadium is the only one built using the pre-cast technology of building which involves moulding various parts of a building using concrete and assembling them afterwards after they are ready.
“One of the unique benefits of precast the new method of construction is that it is cost effective, saves time, material, and labour,” he told KNA.
He said the stadium had been upgraded to international standards and after completion, it is fit to host matches including those organized by FIFA.
The facility has a VIP pavilion, two presidential holding rooms, two kitchens, four washrooms, four changing rooms and stores among others.
Saghar added that phase two which is the final phase whose contract is awaiting approval from the Sports Ministry for it to commence includes: a swimming pool, guard’s accommodation rooms, power house, chairs and a perimeter wall.
However he said that talks with Kiambu county government are under way to see a power house installed which will enable the flood lights and other lighting to be operational.
The project which has taken one and half years to construct is nearing completion.
“This project began in November 2020 and is expected to be complete in a months’ time,” he says while showing KNA the progress made so far.
The Clerk of works Mwangi Muhiri said the local community will benefit immensely once the facility is operational.
“Local schools and community teams can have matches at a small fee, also we have spaces where interested investors can keep business, hotels, gym and many more,” he said.
Kirigiti Community Football team captain James Kaara also lauded the project, saying the modernization will enable the stadium to host nationwide, premier leagues and even international matches.
“Apart from giving us a standard home ground, this will inspire young footballers from Kiambu to become better players,” he said.
The stadium has also opened up business in Kirigiti town with investors eager for the official launch and opening of the facility.
Mrs. Cecilia Kimani, an investor said she opened her fresh juice business right outside the stadium in anticipation of it booming once the premises is operational.
“I picked this location for my business because I believe when the stadium opens it’s likely to thrive because of the large movement of people likely to be visiting the stadium,” Mrs. Kimani said.
To date, Kenya has 25 stadiums across the country, 11 of which have a sitting capacity of over 10,000.
By Grace Naishoo
