Gov't to build new 20,000-seater stadium in Embu within 5 months

Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Raymond Omollo has revealed plans by the State to build a new stadium in Embu County in a record under five months ahead of this year's Madaraka Day celebrations.

This comes after President William Ruto, in December 2022, conferred the privilege of hosting the 60th Madaraka Day celebrations upon the devolved unit.

Speaking in Embu County on Tuesday, the PS noted that the Njukiri grounds, which has been hosting the annual Agriculture Society of Kenya (ASK) shows, will be revamped into an ultra-modern 20,000 seat arena ahead of the aforementioned June 2023 national event.

“We are constructing a stadium from scratch in four and half months. The stadium will be a big milestone for Embu County in readiness for the celebrations and host to other future events,” said the PS, who chairs the National Celebrations Steering Committee, during a tour of the facility.

Both the national government and Embu County will foot the bill for the project, according to the PS, who added that a technical team is already working out the cost implications of the construction works.

“We are going to use the relationship that we have and work through the all-of-government approach so that we keep the cost at a minimum. We will work hand-in-hand to ensure the facility is completed in time and also address other challenges that may arise,” said Mr. Omollo.

On her part, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire noted that once commissioned, the stadium will bring major commercial investment to the devolved unit while elevating the region's status as a local sports enabler. 

Other PSs present during the tour of the facility include; Prof. Edward Kisiangani (Broadcasting), Patrick Mariro (Defence), Joseph Mbugua (Roads), Mohammed Dhargar (Transport) and Ummy Mohammed (Culture & Heritage).

PSs Alex Wachira (Energy), Eng. John Tanui (Telecommunications, ICT & Digital Economy), Festus Ngeno (Environment), Joel Arumonyang (Public Works) and Sports Kenya Director General Pius Metto were also in attendance.