Kangema: The government has announced plans to construct and modernize the historical General Kago stadium nestled right in the heart of Kangema town at a cost of Sh70 million. The stadium, which holds a rich historical legacy due to the statesmen who pioneered it during the precolonial era, has remained dilapidated and neglected for years despite its immense potential and central location.
According to Kenya News Agency, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, speaking in Kangema during a development-oriented tour, announced that plans to overhaul the grounds and set up a 3,000-seater capacity modern stadium were in the final stages with an ambitious target of completing it in April 2027. ‘We are finalizing with the contractors on the Bill of Quantities, after which construction will kick off immediately. Once done, sporting activities will be carried out with ease, and our young people will be able to explore their full potential,’ he said.
The PS observed that the upcoming modern facility will feature a football pitch, a rugby court, a volleyball pitch, running tracks, upgraded terraces, and essential public amenities, which will not only boost sports activities in the county but also revitalize the economy in the agricultural-rich backyard of Kangema. ‘Our school teams will be able to carry out their sporting activities with ease, as some can even play here while others occupy Mumbi and Gakoigo stadiums,’ he added.
The PS further called on residents to support President William Ruto’s government to achieve the election manifestos. He highlighted some of the development projects that the government is already undertaking in the county. ‘We have several KMTCs being constructed, modern markets underway, several rural roads, and the affordable houses in Murang’a town, Makuyu, and Makenji, amongst other projects in the pipeline. I urge you to accord the government your full support so that all these projects can be completed before we go into the 2027 elections,’ he said.
PS Mwangi emphasized that the government is committed to making deliberate investments to improve livelihoods at the grassroots. Kangema Member of Parliament Peter Kihungi lauded the various development projects being implemented in the constituency, saying that the proposed stadium will hold a vital historical significance for the people of Kangema while also preserving local heritage and improving the local economy.
The MP also urged the residents to cooperate with contractors and other stakeholders to ensure that government projects are completed within the stipulated timelines. ‘We are delighted over the revamping of this ground; it is a historic ground, and its construction has been long overdue. I call upon the people who have occupied this playground to cooperate with the contractors and move without friction because this is government land and property that belongs to the latter and can only be held in perpetuity,’ cautioned Kihungi.
Notably, this is the third stadium the government is constructing in Murang’a County, as already two 10,000-seater capacity stadium constructions are at an advanced stage in Murang’a and Maragua towns, respectively, with both stadiums expected to be completed by 2027. Upon completion, the stadiums are expected to provide a major boost to sports development in Murang’a County by offering athletes a modern training and competition venue while attracting regional and national tournaments that will spur economic activity in the county and neighbouring areas.
