National government takes over construction of Isiolo Stadium

The national government has taken over the construction and completion of stalled Isiolo Stadium after the county government admitted to facing financial challenges, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said on Thursday.

The move comes barely two days after youths held protests demanding that the County government expedite completion of the Sh345 million facility that has become an eyesore for nearly six years.

They decried that delay in completing the 10,000-seater stadium continued to deny them a chance to hone their sporting skills.

Mvurya, who toured the facility accompanied by PS Elijah Mwangi, Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dhulo, and Sports Fund CEO Nuh Mohamed Ibrahi, directed Sports Kenya to redesign the stadium to meet international standards.

“I have directed Sports Kenya to develop new architectural designs for a modern stadium that meets international standards within the next two weeks. Upon submission, the necessary government procedures will be initiated to commence the construction phase of the project,” he said.

The CS stated that the facility will undergo a complete transformation including the addition of a VIP section, changing rooms for home and away teams and proper roofing to shield spectators from harsh weather.

He also announced that the government is in the process of constructing a talent academy in Garbatula Ward at a cost of Ksh 55 million.

Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dhulo said she has been engaging President William Ruto on the matter, even sharing with him videos of youth protests regarding the stalled stadium.

She blamed the county government, led by Governor Abdi Guyo, for failing to complete the stadium project despite millions of taxpayer shillings having already been spent.

She praised the youths for standing up and demanding the completion of the project, stating it was their right.

According to Senator Dhulo, county officials have been allocating millions to the sports fund yet no development projects have been realized for the youth.

PS for Sports Elijah Mwangi warned contractors working on stadiums across the country to observe project deadlines, to avoid scenarios where citizens are forced to protest to get services from the government.