Construction of the multi-billion Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega will be completed this year, according to Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
Namwamba said the government is working with the county government to upgrade the facility, and renovate other stadiums in the Western region.
The CS, who spoke in Shinyalu constituency during the Shinyalu NG-CDF Football tournament organized by area MP Fred Ikana, said the government has allocated enough funds to complete Bukhungu stadium.
"The national government will ensure the project is completed this year. This is in line with the government's agenda to nurture talent and implement the Talanta Hela project targeting youths," Namwamba said.
He added: "We are aware of the challenge of the state of stadiums in the country. As a ministry, we have already entered into an agreement with Governor Fernades Barasa on the modalities of completing Bukhungu. Part of the plan is for the stadium to meet international standards."
In August, the Sports CS who spoke during a joint meeting with Mr Barasa, disclosed that the national government would provide Sh2.9 billion towards completion of the project.
"To further discussions on the partnership between the national and the Kakamega County government targeting completion of the construction of the Bukhungu stadium, we have agreed on an implementation plan and I assure the governor that the national government would support the project by injecting in Sh2.9 billion," said Namwamba. The CS said his ministry is in talks with Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka on completing Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium.
"I have also talked to Governor Paul Otuoma of Busia to invest and complete the Busia stadium same to Vihiga Governor Wilbur Ottichilo. We have good plans of completing and improving our stadiums. We hope to have a stadium in each county," said Namwamba.
Governor Barasa said his administration has allocated Sh570 million in the 2023/2024 financial year towards the completion of Bukhungu stadium.
"Completing the construction of Bukhungu is top of my agenda. We want to host the African Nations Championships competitions as we prepare for AFCON. I want to thank the national government for the support in this project," said Barasa.
He said the county government is considering expanding the stadium to increase its capacity to at least 60,000 people. "I have already reached out to President William Ruto for financial support in this endeavor."
Namwamba said the national government is working with Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) to scout for talent at the grassroots level. "KAS managed to scout for 2,000 young talents during the Kenya National Secondary School Games Sports hosted in Kakamega last year and they have undergone training with some joining junior teams that include under 20,19,18,17 and 15."
