Wote Stadium downsized to 5,000 seats after engineering challenges
Mvurya said while the project had already cost over Sh200 million, difficulties stemmed from the need to fill up four meters across the entire site, a task deemed technically unfeasible under the current budget framework.
A plan to set up a 10,000-seat stadium in Wote, Makueni County, has stalled after engineers flagged major structural and topographical challenges, forcing the Ministry of Sports to downsize the project to a 5,000-seater facility.
Speaking on Thursday during the inspection of Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said while the project had already cost over Sh200 million, difficulties stemmed from the need to fill up four meters across the entire site, a task deemed technically unfeasible under the current budget framework.
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“For those familiar with engineering, filling up four meters across the entire site is not just expensive, it is technically impractical under the current budget framework. That is the major technical challenge we encountered with Wote,” Mvurya said.
He added that the Ministry is now working with the Makueni County Government to identify a new site where a full 10,000-seat stadium can be built, similar to the ongoing project in Kitui.
“No county will be left behind. In some regions, we will establish sports academies, in others, 10,000-seater or 15,000-seater stadiums, all in line with our mandate to uplift grassroots sports and provide modern, clean facilities for our young people,” he said.
Phase one of Wote Stadium’s construction has already consumed Sh299 million, the CS revealed while appearing before the Senate on July 23.
Turning to Ithookwe Stadium, Mvurya, accompanied by Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, county leadership and officials from the National Celebrations Committee, confirmed that the facility is 80 per cent complete and remains on track for handover by October 6, in time for Mashujaa Day celebrations.
“When I first visited this site, it was a greenfield showground. Today, we stand at a nearly completed 10,000-capacity modern stadium, a testimony to the strong partnership between the national and county governments. We are on schedule to hand over this facility by 6th October in readiness for Mashujaa Day,” Mvurya said.
He noted that the main works left include the pavilion, perimeter wall and auxiliary facilities. The CS added that after Mashujaa Day, additional work, including installation of a tartan track, compliant changing rooms and other modern amenities, will ensure Ithookwe meets full sporting standards for local leagues and international fixtures.
“This is the time for Kitui. Hosting Mashujaa Day brings enormous opportunities, but beyond the celebrations, this facility will anchor lasting socio-economic benefits and offer a platform for youth to showcase and nurture their talents,” Mvurya said.
The government is also upgrading the Kitui Airstrip and surrounding roads to improve access to the stadium. The CS said these improvements will benefit the county long after the celebrations.
Highlighting the broader sports agenda, Mvurya said President William Ruto has directed the rollout of 30 new stadiums nationwide.
“H.E. President William Ruto’s vision for sports is bold, firm and deliberate, anchored on the construction and upgrading of facilities to international standards. Ithookwe stands as a testament to this promise,” he said.
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