Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui nears completion ahead of Mashujaa Day, with CS Mvurya promising international standards and future football benefits.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya has praised the progress made in the construction of the Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, revealing that the facility is now 96 percent complete and will host the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20.
Speaking to the press after leading an inspection tour on Tuesday, Mvurya said the government remains committed to ensuring the stadium meets international standards, in line with Kenya’s broader goal of developing world-class sports infrastructure ahead of hosting the AFCON 2027 tournament.
The Ithookwe Stadium, though not among the officially designated AFCON 2027 host or training venues, has drawn national attention for its rapid progress and quality construction.
The facility, which will accommodate about 10,000 spectators, is expected to serve as a critical sports hub for Kitui County and neighboring regions.
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Mvurya announced that while the stadium is nearly ready, final touches — including installation of a canopy and refinement of the drainage system — will be completed by October 14, 2025, ahead of the official handover to the National Steering Committee for National Celebrations.
The government has also engaged the Kenya Urban and Rural Roads Authority (KURRA) to complete access roads to ease movement to and from the stadium. Additionally, an 885-meter perimeter wall is being constructed to protect the facility from encroachment and ensure security during the celebrations.
“Facility Will Not Compromise on Standards,” Says Mvurya
“Ithookwe Stadium, now 96% complete, stands ready to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on 20th October. I will be handing over the facility to the National Steering Committee for National Celebrations next week, marking a major milestone in our preparations for this historic event,” said Mvurya.
“The Government remains firm that the standards of the stadium will not be compromised. Accordingly, auxiliary works under a whole-of-government approach will continue beyond the national celebrations to ensure that all facilities meet international standards.”
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The CS added that the government views Ithookwe as a long-term investment in sports and youth empowerment.
“This sustained effort will position Ithookwe Stadium not only as a premier venue for national and international fixtures but also as a hub for talent development and youth empowerment in Kitui County and beyond.”
Boost for Kitui Football and Local Economy
The completion of Ithookwe Stadium is expected to transform Kitui’s sporting landscape, particularly in football.
Local clubs such as FC Dynamo, which plays in the FKF Division One league, will now have a modern venue to train and host matches, allowing them to compete more effectively in national tournaments.
Sports analysts believe that with additional improvements, the facility could be considered as a training venue for AFCON 2027, providing an opportunity for Kitui to tap into the economic and developmental benefits that come with international tournaments.
Beyond football, the stadium will also serve as a community hub, hosting athletics, cultural events, and youth programs — all aimed at promoting sports tourism and stimulating the local economy.
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Omollo: Infrastructure Investments to Outlive Celebrations
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, who toured the site earlier in September, said the government’s investments in stadiums and related infrastructure go beyond national events.
“The government under President William Ruto has consistently invested in sustainable infrastructure in each host county, ranging from new stadiums to improved access roads, electricity connections, and water supply,” said Omollo.
“These investments remain in place long after the celebrations, supporting sports development, boosting local economies, and improving community livelihoods,” he concluded.