Kitui’s Ithookwe Stadium is now 96 percent complete, just days before it hosts the Mashujaa Day celebrations. The 10,000-seat facility has seen rapid progress, with officials expressing confidence that it will be ready in time for the national event.
Principal Secretary for the State Department of Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, confirmed the update during an inspection visit with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Principal Secretaries Raymond Omollo and Elijah Mwangi.
“The stadium is now 96% complete, and the progress is impressive — Kitui is ready to host the nation! We were hosted by Kitui Governor Julius Malombe,” Mueke shared on X.
The inspection team assessed the main components of the project, including the pitch, seating areas, access roads, and parking facilities. Minor works such as canopy installation and drainage adjustments are set to be completed within the week, while other finishing touches will follow after the celebrations.
According to Mvurya, the stadium’s benefits extend beyond the upcoming fete, noting that it will serve as a hub for sports development and a training ground for local teams like FC Dynamo.
To support the project, the government has partnered with the Kenya Urban and Rural Roads Authority (KURRA) to enhance road access and build an 885-metre perimeter wall to protect the facility.
Although the initial handover date was October 6, officials announced it would be moved to October 14 to allow completion of minor works. They assured residents that the final preparations will not disrupt the Mashujaa Day celebrations scheduled for October 20.
Kitui’s Ithookwe Stadium at 80 percent, to complete in time for Mashujaa Day
Reported on September 11 – The facility, Ithookwe Stadium, is now 80 percent complete. The Ksh 700 million stadium will be ready by 6 October, ahead of the national event on 20 October.
Ithookwe stadium project factsheet
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Location: Ithookwe, Kitui County
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Capacity: 10,000 seats
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Cost: Ksh 700 million
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Phase one spending: Ksh 299 million
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Key works remaining: Pavilion, perimeter wall, auxiliary facilities
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Access upgrades: Kitui Airstrip and surrounding roads
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Post-mashujaa upgrades: Tartan track, compliant changing rooms, modern amenities
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, conducted the inspection. He was joined by Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Sports Kenya Acting Director General Gabriel Komora, county security officials, and members of the National Steering Committee for National Celebrations.
“I have conducted an inspection of the Ithookwe Stadium. I am satisfied with the progress. Works are currently at 80 percent completion. We also engaged the on-ground technical team to discuss priority areas for expedited delivery,” said CS Mvurya.
He added that the stadium will serve beyond Mashujaa Day. “It will act as a hub for talent development, scouting, and grassroots sports. Young people across Kitui County and the wider region will benefit,” he said.
The Government is also upgrading the Kitui Airstrip and surrounding roads. “These improvements will provide lasting benefits for the county beyond the celebrations,” the CS noted.
Ruto’s 30-stadium plan to boost grassroots sports
CS Mvurya highlighted President William Ruto’s nationwide sports infrastructure programme. The plan will see the construction and upgrading of 30 new stadiums. He also addressed delays at Wote Stadium in Makueni. Structural and engineering challenges forced the Ministry to reduce the original 10,000-seater project to 5,000 seats while sourcing new land for a larger stadium.
“No county will be left behind. In some regions, we will establish sports academies. In others, 10,000- or 15,000-seater stadiums will be built. All projects aim to uplift grassroots sports and provide modern facilities for young people,” said Mvurya.
He added that after Mashujaa Day, the stadium will receive further upgrades, including a tartan track, modern changing rooms, and other facilities to meet full sporting standards for local and international events.
“This is the time for Kitui. Hosting Mashujaa Day brings opportunities. Beyond the celebrations, this facility will anchor lasting socio-economic benefits and offer a platform for youth to showcase and nurture their talents,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Kenya is also advancing other major sports infrastructure projects ahead of international events. Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi is now over 50% complete, with construction led by China Road and Bridge Corporation under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces. The 60,000-seater stadium will feature Maasai shield-inspired designs and multiple training fields for rugby, tennis, and hockey. At the same time, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums are undergoing renovations, including modern lighting, tartan tracks, refurbished media centres, and upgraded changing rooms, to meet CAF and FIFA standards ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
