Cultural centre lies in ruins despite renovation budget

Migwena Stadium remains in a sorry state. [Isaiah Gwengi, Standard]

But today, the historical facility remains a ghost playground, neglected and left for animals to graze on despite massive investments to rehabilitate it since 2013.

With overgrown shrubs, a collapsed fence and vandalised solar lamps, there is little to indicate that ten years have gone by since the launch of what was touted as an ambitious rehabilitation plan.

The project has since stalled despite the government identifying the field as a sports and cultural centre.

In the 2019-2020 financial year, the County Government allocated Sh10 million to repair the sports complex. An additional Sh5 million was allocated for design works.

In the 2020/2021 financial year, former governor Cornel Rasanga's administration allocated Sh20 million for rehabilitation of the facility.

To date, the presence of the county government is only felt on paper as residents now call on the new administration to fast-track the construction of the stadium.

"Migwena has a great significance to our people but it is very sad that part of the land has been grabbed. It is our appeal to the new administration to restore Migwena's lost glory," said Thomas Achando, a member of the Luo Council of Elders.

Francis Okello, a resident of Bondo says an audit should be conducted over allegations of millions of shillings lost in the stalled project.

"Monies are being allocated every financial year for the rehabilitation of Migwena, but there is nothing to show on the ground," said Okello.

In his manifesto, Governor James Orengo promised to upgrade stadia in each of the six sub-counties.

"I will fast-track the completion of Siaya County Stadium as a matter of priority and also link sports to tourism circuit to attract regional and international athletes," said Orengo.

For now, it is a matter of wait and see if the new country administration will keep its word.