National Government Takes Charge of Masinde Muliro Stadium Rehabilitation Ahead of Madaraka Day Celebrations
In preparation for the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations slated for June, the national government has assumed responsibility for the completion and rehabilitation of Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County.
During a gathering in Bungoma on Friday, Sports CS Ababu Namwamba commended the efforts exerted by the Bungoma County government towards reviving the stalled stadium project. Namwamba highlighted specific enhancements, including the proposed rehabilitation of changing rooms and back access to the VIP pavilion in accordance with FIFA standards.
“I’m glad that all the proposals have been implemented as agreed,” expressed CS Ababu during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bungoma County government for the project’s takeover.
Furthermore, CS Namwamba underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing youth talent to international standards. He affirmed that upon completion, the stadium would be handed back to the county government, envisioning it as a platform not only for talent showcases but also for economic rejuvenation.
“We are going to install lighting around this facility so that even at night, games can still go on,” assured CS Namwamba, emphasizing plans to illuminate the stadium and incorporate terraces.
Governor Kenneth Lusaka assured traders displaced by the stadium expansion of priority relocation to the new market in Kanduyi. He addressed land-grabbing concerns, stating the formation of a task force to identify public land and urging affected individuals to cooperate in the interest of development.
Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, also chairperson of the National Assembly’s sports committee, emphasized the significance of infrastructural development in fostering the success of initiatives like Talanta Hela.
“If we want this Talanta Hela initiative to have great positive effects in the country, we should have standard stadiums in Kenya so that the talented ones can have somewhere to showcase their talents,” remarked MP Wanyama.
As preparations intensify for the Madaraka Day celebrations, the rejuvenation of Masinde Muliro Stadium stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and infrastructural development in Bungoma County.
IAN BYRON 
Elijah Odanga