Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has expressed optimism that the state-of-the-art Kirigiti stadium in Kiambu County would soon be ready to host sporting activities.
The CS, who toured the stadium yesterday afternoon to check on its progress, noted that once completed, the stadium will ease pressure on the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums.
“The stadium is 90 per cent complete. I am impressed by the work done. The contractor is just finalising key areas such as installing seats, setting up the technology infrastructure, and completing the playing field, and once this is done, the stadium is earmarked to host top football matches, and with its proximity to Nairobi, it will reduce the burden of most clubs that seek alternatives far from the capital city,” he said.
Murkomen noted that sports infrastructures are crucial for talent development and ensuring sustainable livelihoods, and as a ministry, they are dedicated to delivering these facilities to help youth develop their talents and monetise their skills.
Kirigiti Stadium, he further said, is an important national monument, being the venue where the founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, addressed his last rally before going to detention. “I will 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,” the CS said.
The goal, he said, is to make stadiums self-sustaining by generating revenue, adding that Kirigiti has spaces even for the private sector to join by investing in the sporting facilities.
Kiambu Deputy County Commissioner Titus Macharia, Area MP Machua Waithaka, and Kiambu County Sports CEC Ali Korar joined the CS during the inspection tour.
By Wangari Ndirangu
