Okaka: Siaya Stadium's Grand Opening - A Triumph Undermined by Basic Failures

Thursday's openining of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium in Siaya highlighted by the high-profile Gor Mahia versus Kitara FC match presented a mixed bag.

While the event marked a significant milestone for Kenyan football, it also underscored critical shortcomings that need urgent attention to ensure the stadium's long-term viability and the safety of future football events.

The match, which had the potential for international sanctioning (had it been properly coordinated through both the Kenyan and Ugandan football federations, as well as CAF), was marred by serious security lapses.

The presence of two Heads of States only amplified the severity of these shortcomings. The absence of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) from the organizational process was a glaring oversight, contributing to the lack of clear protocols and the resulting chaos.

Fans dangerously infiltrated restricted areas, including Zone 1, VIP sections, media zones, and even the players' dressing rooms. This created an extremely unsafe and chaotic atmosphere, endangering players, officials, VIP guests, and fans alike.

The situation was further aggravated by the County Governor’s social media posts showcasing fans precariously perched on stadium structures. These images not only highlighted the security failures but also trivialized the gravity of the situation.

While the stadium holds immense potential for hosting international matches, achieving FIFA standards requires immediate and decisive action to address safety concerns and resolve a few infrastructural issues.

Two weeks before the opening match, I visited the stadium and observed a persistent issue common in Kenyan stadiums: flagpoles obstructing the view of center cameras.

I personally raised this concern with the on-site supervisor, emphasizing the need for their relocation to ensure clear broadcast quality. This seemingly minor detail reflects a broader failure to adhere to basic stadium design standards.

Beyond security and broadcast issues, the quality of the playing pitch remains a significant concern. The challenge of poorly maintained playing surfaces in Kenyan stadiums must be urgently addressed.

Siaya County needs to prioritise pitch maintenance to ensure the stadium is suitable for high-level matches.

Siaya County deserves commendation for its effort in constructing the stadium. However, its long-term success hinges on effective management.

Establishing a Siaya County FC team could maximize the stadium’s use and foster local talent.

One commendable aspect is the county's restraint to label the stadium ‘International’.  Many Kenyan stadiums bear this title despite being unfit to host even local matches.

Siaya County should learn from the mismanagement experienced at Kisumu's Mamboleo and Meru's Kinoru Stadiums by appointing a competent manager with a deep understanding of football stadium operations.

The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium holds immense potential. However, addressing security lapses, rectifying infrastructural deficiencies, and establishing a robust management structure are critical steps.

Siaya County’s substantial investment demands a return through effective management and operational excellence, transforming this promising venue into a vibrant hub for Kenyan football.

 Kenn Okaka is former Head of Media and Communications, Football Kenya Federation. Views expressed here are exclusively his own.