The dream of giving Migori County a modern sporting arena is edging closer to reality after the Sh700 million Migori Stadium project entered its final stretch, with Governor Ochillo Ayacko expressing confidence that the facility will be completed by September.
Leading a high-level inspection of the ongoing construction works, Ayacko said the project marks a significant milestone in the county’s efforts to transform sports, nurture local talent and stimulate economic growth.
“This stadium is not just about football. It is an investment in our youth, our talent, our economy and the future of Migori. For years, our sportsmen and women have lacked a modern facility to nurture and showcase their potential. We are now changing that narrative,” the governor said.
The 10,000-seater stadium, being constructed to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, is expected to become the county’s premier venue for football, athletics, cultural festivals and national celebrations.
Once complete, it will also provide a permanent home ground for Migori Youth FC, which recently earned promotion to the National Premier League, ending years of uncertainty that forced local clubs to play home matches outside the county due to the absence of a suitable stadium.
Construction Back on Track
The governor’s visit came amid renewed optimism after construction resumed following a temporary slowdown caused by delayed payments to the contractor.
Project managers reported that the facility is now more than 75 per cent complete, with work progressing steadily after cash flow challenges were resolved.
“We have received assurances from the contractor that the temporary cash flow challenges have been addressed. Work has resumed, and we are confident the stadium will be completed by September as scheduled,” Ayacko said.
The project is financed primarily by the national government, while the Migori County Government oversees local administration and coordination.
According to officials, improved collaboration between the two levels of government has ensured uninterrupted funding, enabling the contractor to return fully to the site.
A Decade-Long Dream Finally Taking Shape
The completion of the stadium will bring to an end a project that has endured years of delays, funding shortages and administrative setbacks.
The idea of constructing a modern sports complex dates back more than a decade.
County budget records show the project first received Sh30 million during the 2014/2015 financial year. Another Sh30 million was later allocated from a proposed Sh80 million budget in the 2019/2020 financial year, but construction stalled amid financial constraints and governance concerns.
The project later came under scrutiny from the County Assembly following audit queries, including allegations that Sh4.5 million earmarked for the stadium had been diverted to settle unrelated pending bills, leaving the facility dormant for years.
The breakthrough came after the project was restructured into a Sh700 million national-county partnership, with Royal Contractors Limited awarded the contract to construct a modern CAF-compliant stadium.
Construction under the new arrangement officially commenced in July 2025.
Development Beyond Politics
Governor Ayacko described the stadium as proof that cooperation between the national and county governments can accelerate development regardless of political affiliations.
“Development has no political party. What matters is that the people of Migori receive the infrastructure they deserve. This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when both levels of government work together for the benefit of wananchi,” he said.
The governor noted that the facility would become a regional hub for sports while creating opportunities for youth and boosting the local economy.
Economic Boost for Migori
Beyond sports, the project has generated employment for hundreds of skilled and unskilled workers while supporting local businesses supplying construction materials, including sand, cement, ballast and steel.
Businesses around the construction site have also benefited from increased commercial activity generated by the ongoing works.
Ayacko said the completed stadium would continue generating economic opportunities through sporting events and other large public gatherings.
“Migori Youth FC has made history by earning promotion, and they deserve a home stadium that matches their ambition. Beyond football, this facility will nurture young talent, create employment, stimulate business and position Migori as a destination for national sporting competitions,” he said.
A Legacy Project
The governor acknowledged that residents had waited patiently for the project to materialize after years of false starts, but insisted the county was now on course to deliver one of its most significant public investments.
“This project has taken longer than many people expected because of challenges experienced over the years. What is important now is that the people can see tangible progress. We are determined to deliver a world-class stadium that future generations will be proud of,” Ayacko said.
With completion expected in September, the stadium is poised to become one of western Kenya’s leading sporting facilities, offering Migori athletes a modern home while positioning the county to host national and regional competitions for the first time in its history.
About the Author
