Kisumu: Kisumu County is on the cusp of a major sporting infrastructure following the allocation of Sh800 million by the State Department for Sports to upgrade the historic Moi Stadium. The project, announced by President William Ruto last month during a visit by Kisumu County leaders to State House, has sparked excitement among sports enthusiasts and residents alike.
According to Kenya News Agency, a team of engineers from the State Department for Sports toured the facility to assess its status and advise on the best approach for the upgrade. Kisumu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Sports, Beatrice Odongo, stated that the groundbreaking ceremony is expected to take place later this month, paving the way for the multi-million-shilling upgrade.
Odongo expressed the significance of having the assessment team provide guidance on improvements for Kisumu County and the facility. The upgraded stadium is expected to transform sports in the region, offering a world-class venue for youths to showcase their talents. She highlighted that the facility would serve not only Kisumu County but also the western region and East Africa.
The project’s completion is anticipated by the end of 2026, with the county government collaborating with the Ministry of Sports to ensure timely delivery. Odongo mentioned that the launch of the new stadium in Kisumu County is expected by the end of 2026.
Moi Stadium, constructed in the 1980s, has been Kisumu’s main sporting venue, but its ageing infrastructure and drainage issues have been criticized. Local teams like Kisumu All Stars have called it home, and now, a new era is approaching with the planned upgrade.
Odongo emphasized the stadium’s role in becoming the heart of sports in western Kenya, representing hope, pride, and opportunity. County Secretary Hesbon Hongo, also present during the tour, echoed Odongo’s sentiments, projecting that the stadium would reach international standards, comparable to the Emirates Stadium, enabling Kisumu to host world-class sporting events.
However, Hongo raised concerns regarding land ownership issues surrounding the stadium, pointing out that some adjacent land was previously part of the facility and had been grabbed. He mentioned that a technical team, including engineers and surveyors, confirmed that the available land is sufficient for the project. The State Department for Sports engineers are currently assessing the land to determine the optimal orientation of the stadium.
