Bukhungu stadium closes for renovation ahead of CHAN

Sports CS Ababu Namwamba and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa inspect Bukhungu Stadium on January 18, 2024. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega will close for four months to allow for renovation ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in September 2024.

Speaking during the inspection of the facility yesterday, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said that major works would be done in the playing ground and lighting.

The stadium hosts Kakamega Home Boys.

"Kasarani stadium is undergoing an overhaul and it is shut for 16 to 18 months meaning international events like Kipchoge Keino Classic and local football competitions like the Kenya Premier League (KPL) will be shifted to other venues just like it will happen with Bukhungu stadium," he said.

"The teams using this stadium will have to sacrifice knowing that what is being undertaken is in their best interest," said the CS who was accompanied by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.

The KPL and other fixtures in Bukhungu Stadium will now be held at the neighbouring Mumias Sports Complex located 30 kilometres away.

In August last year, Namwamba said the national government would release Sh2.9 billion towards completion of the project.

"To fast track and complete this stadium, we will have to close the stadium for three to four months so that we can allow the completion of Bukhungu and for those teams using this stadium we will direct them to Mumias Sports Complex," said Barasa.

The stadium which previously hosted Cecafa under 18 games is also expected to co-host Afcon in 2027 as the upgrading and total overhaul process continues.

"The stadium is in the second phase and the county has already pumped in Sh400 million for this financial year. The third phase costs Sh1.4 billion, and my government has already allocated Sh570 million in the 2023/2024 financial year for the completion of the project," said the governor.

The county government awarded the tender to construct the stadium to Wilkori Building and Civil Engineering Contractors Company Limited in December 2017.

The first phase involved offices of the county government, 200 capacity parking space, construction of stands, VIP and VVIP rooms, a doping control room and two changing rooms.

The second phase will involve the main VIP Stand, building terraces, gym room, six changing rooms, and dispensary room among others.

The third phase will involve the main works in the C section that is finishes, fixes, safety installations, civil works specialist installations like lights, pitch earthworks, carpeting, access roads, and specialist installations like power, lighting, and ticketing among others.