FEASSA unimpressed with stalled Bukhungu Stadium works

The Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) has given the Kakamega County Government a one-month deadline to complete the construction of Bukhungu Stadium, which is expected to host this year’s East Africa Secondary Schools Games.

The head of directorate, field coordination, and co-curricular activities in the national government, who is leading Kenya’s team in preparations for the East Africa Secondary Schools Games, where Kakamega County will be the host, Nelson Sifuna, warned that if the contractor renovating Bukhungu Stadium does not complete the work by the 30th of this month, then they will have no choice but to look for an alternative venue.

"We have no reason to doubt, because we have seen the work schedule, we have seen the machines on the ground, and if by the 30th it is not yet done, we also have an alternative, so it's not a big challenge, but we expect it will be ready for use." He said.

However, Sifuna expressed satisfaction with the other venues and necessary facilities for the games, apart from Bukhungu Stadium.

Speaking after inspecting various sports venues in Kakamega County, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Secondary Schools Games (KSSSA), David Ngugi, said they are confident that Kakamega County will successfully host the games, including the national-level games, starting from the 26th of this month.

"The national ball games are going to be held here in Kakamega, and we expect to play the football finals at Bukhungu Stadium on the 2nd of August to test the pitch in preparations for FEASSA ball games; everything else is ready.” He said.

The County Executive for Sports in Kakamega County, Jackline Masicha, noted that the contractor in charge is already progressing rapidly with the work, and they are confident it will be completed in good time ahead of both the national and East Africa regional games.

"Kakamega County takes pride in sports, and this is something that we are not willing to let go of.

"That is why we are so committed to delivering, and the governor has instructed that we do weekly site meetings to ensure the contractor is doing the right thing."

Kakamega County was selected to host the Kenya national secondary schools ball games this year from July 26 to August 2, followed by the East Africa games from August 12 to 24.