Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and CS Salim Mvurya inspect Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium, calling for an October completion and unveiling plans for a multi-sport complex to position Bungoma as a regional sports hub.
A major boost is on the horizon for sports development in Western Kenya. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, alongside Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, has called for the speedy completion of the rehabilitation of Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium in Bungoma Sports Revolution. The leaders, who conducted an on-site inspection on Monday, emphasized that the facility will play a pivotal role in nurturing sports talent and positioning the county as a regional sports hub. The inspection team, which included Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Webuye East MP Dan Wanyama, and Senators Wafula Wakoli and Consolata Wakwabubi, reviewed progress, assessed pending tasks, and received an update on the completion plan. The government has committed to having the stadium ready by October this year.
A Call for Speed and Accountability
Speaker Wetang’ula welcomed the government’s commitment to meet the October deadline but stressed the need for thorough oversight to ensure quality and timeliness. He called for a comprehensive audit of the project’s status. “We want a full audit of the work already done, what remains pending, and ensure the project is completed so that the stadium can be put to use,” said the Speaker.
Technical Specifications and Upgrades
CS Salim Mvurya assured the public that all challenges hindering the project’s progress have been addressed. He outlined the specific works required to bring the stadium up to standard. “We have reviewed the emerging issues and agreed that the stadium will be completed and ready for use by October. We will install the right grass, complete the tartan track, renovate the changing rooms, repair the roof, and address all issues identified by engineers,” said the Cabinet Secretary.
Expanding the Vision: A Multi-Sport Ecosystem
Beyond the current rehabilitation, leaders revealed ambitious plans to expand the sports complex to accommodate a wider range of disciplines. Speaker Wetang’ula noted that adjacent land is available for development. “We want to build basketball, netball, volleyball and handball courts, as well as a public swimming pool. This will create a sports ecosystem that can be used by the public under the management of the county government,” he said. This multi-sport approach is expected to create a vibrant ecosystem that caters to athletes of various disciplines and provides recreational facilities for the public.
Strategic Importance: AFCON 2027 and Regional Development
The upgraded facility holds significance beyond Bungoma. With Kenya set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside its East African neighbours, upgrading Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium to international standards could position Bungoma to host regional and international sporting events in the future. Speaker Wetang’ula highlighted the broader economic impact: “Sports facilities are critical in identifying, nurturing and developing talent. The completion of this stadium will provide a platform for our youth to excel in football and other sporting disciplines while creating economic opportunities for the surrounding community.” CS Mvurya echoed these sentiments, stating, “We do not want Bungoma to be left behind. The county remains an important part of the country’s development agenda.”
A Message to the Youth
Addressing the local youth, Speaker Wetang’ula urged them to take full advantage of the facility once completed. “I want to see young people making full use of this stadium. We want to see future stars emerge from here. Our students deserve quality facilities where they can develop their talents,” he said.
A New Era for Western Kenya Sports
The completion of the stadium is expected to boost sports development, attract investment, create jobs, and inspire a new generation of athletes in Bungoma and the wider Western Kenya region. As the leaders concluded, “Our goal is to ensure talented young men and women from every corner of this region have access to world-class facilities. Sports is not only about competition; it is also a pathway to empowerment and national development.”
