Isiolo Stadium works resume after six-year delay

Sports Kenya handed over the site to contractor Tunasco. The project is scheduled to be completed within eight months. (Photo: Isiolo County Government)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo said the handover was conducted by Lillian Nzile, Chief Facility Management Officer at Sports Kenya, in the presence of Deputy County Commissioner Bernard Okwiri and County Secretary Dade Boru.

Five years and six months after stalling, the long-awaited redevelopment of Isiolo Stadium has finally begun, with Sports Kenya officially handing over the site to contractor Tunasco (Building the Future).

The project, which has faced repeated delays, is now scheduled to be completed within eight months.

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Making the announcement on Tuesday, Isiolo Governor Abdi Hassan Guyo said the handover was conducted by Lillian Nzile, Chief Facility Management Officer at Sports Kenya, in the presence of Deputy County Commissioner Bernard Okwiri and County Secretary Dade Boru.

“The redevelopment marks a new chapter for the 10,000-seater facility, which has been incomplete for nearly six years,” he said.

In March 2025, the national government took over the project after the county government admitted to financial challenges.

The decision followed protests by local youth, who accused the county of failing to deliver on a Sh345 million investment and expressed frustration over being denied opportunities to nurture their sporting talent.

The project is scheduled to be completed within eight months. (Photo: Isiolo County Government)

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who announced the takeover, said the facility would undergo a complete redesign to meet international standards.

“I have directed Sports Kenya to develop new architectural designs for a modern stadium that meets international standards within the next two weeks. Upon submission, the necessary government procedures will be initiated to commence the construction phase of the project,” he said during a tour of the stadium in March.

Mvurya explained that the revamped stadium will feature a VIP section, modern changing rooms for both home and away teams, and roofing to protect fans from harsh weather conditions.

He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dhulo, and Sports Fund CEO Nuh Mohamed Ibrahim during the inspection.

Governor Guyo welcomed the project resumption and thanked President William Ruto for his support.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to President Ruto for his unwavering commitment to Isiolo. Once complete, the stadium will nurture sporting excellence, empower our young people, and spur economic growth across our county and the wider region,” he said.

For residents, the resumption of works is a long-awaited relief, with hopes that the new stadium will finally provide a platform to develop talent, boost local sports, and stimulate business opportunities in Isiolo.