Kitui County is on the verge of hosting its first-ever Mashujaa Day national celebrations, with the spotlight firmly on the fast-rising Ithookwe Stadium. On Monday, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya led a high-profile delegation to inspect the facility, affirming that construction is 80 percent complete and on track for handover early next month.
The 10,000-capacity arena, once an open showground, has quickly transformed into a modern sports hub. “We are standing on what was bare land not too long ago. Today, we have a nearly completed stadium, a symbol of the strong collaboration between the National and County Governments,” CS Mvurya remarked during the visit.
He was accompanied by Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, and members of the National Celebrations Committee, who expressed confidence that the facility will be ready for the October 20th fete.
Beyond the Celebrations: A Legacy for Kitui
While Ithookwe will take center stage for Mashujaa Day, Mvurya stressed that its impact will outlast the national holiday. The stadium is expected to serve as a cornerstone for grassroots sports, talent nurturing, and sports tourism in Kitui and the surrounding counties.
In tandem with the stadium project, the Government is also upgrading the Kitui Airstrip and improving road networks leading to the venue, ensuring not just convenience for the event, but long-term development dividends for the region.
National Vision for Sports Infrastructure
The inspection came against the backdrop of President William Ruto’s ambitious blueprint to expand sports infrastructure countrywide. According to CS Mvurya, 30 new stadiums will break ground in the next financial year as part of the President’s directive to build facilities that meet international standards.
“Ithookwe is a model of what the President envisions — modern, accessible, and fit for both local and global competitions,” Mvurya said.
Addressing Stalled Projects
The CS also addressed concerns surrounding the halted Wote Stadium project in neighbouring Makueni County. He explained that engineering difficulties posed by the terrain made the original 10,000-seater design unsustainable under current budget allocations.
To resolve the impasse, the Ministry has revised the plan to a 5,000-seater at the existing site while partnering with the county to identify alternative land for a larger stadium. “No region will be sidelined. Whether through academies or larger stadia, our goal remains the same — to uplift sports and provide world-class facilities for young people,” Mvurya affirmed.
Kitui’s Defining Moment
As Mashujaa Day approaches, anticipation is building within Kitui. The CS assured residents that once the celebrations are over, further upgrades, including a tartan track, modern changing rooms, and other amenities, will be installed to raise Ithookwe to full competitive standards.
“This is Kitui’s moment. Hosting a national celebration is historic, but the bigger win lies in the opportunities this stadium will unlock for the youth, for sport, and for socio-economic growth,” he concluded.
