Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has described the nearly complete Ithookwe Stadium as a game changer that will transform sports and youth development in Kitui County, the Lower Eastern region, and the country at large.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility, the CS confirmed that construction is now 96% complete, with the handover to the National Steering Committee for National Celebrations scheduled for next week. The stadium will host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20th, 2025.
Originally planned as a handover event, the inspection visit was converted into a progress review after it was established that a few crucial details—such as the perimeter wall and final finishing touches—were yet to be completed.
CS Mvurya assured the public that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to deliver a world-class sports facility. He emphasized that additional works, including the installation of a tartan track similar to Nyayo Stadium’s, will continue even after the Mashujaa Day festivities to meet international sports standards.
“Ithookwe Stadium will not just host national celebrations—it will be a top-class sports facility that nurtures talent, builds the local economy, and boosts sports development across Kitui and beyond,” said Mvurya.
The CS reiterated that the government’s focus under President William Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) is to empower communities through sports, the creative economy, and youth innovation.
The stadium’s near completion marks a major milestone for Kitui County, positioning it as a hub for national events and youth empowerment. It is expected to open new opportunities for sporting activities, cultural festivals, and community events in the region.
The inspection tour was attended by Kitui County Governor H.E. Julius Malombe, Principal Secretaries Elijah Mwangi (Sports), Raymond Omollo (Internal Security and National Administration), and Jonathan Mweke (Livestock Development), alongside Sports Kenya Chair Mark Lomunokol, the National Steering Committee for National Celebrations, and senior government officers.
In line with the government’s assurance, auxiliary works under a whole-of-government approach will proceed even after the national event to ensure that all facilities meet international standards.
When complete, Ithookwe Stadium will not only host sports and national events but also stand as a symbol of accountability, collaboration, and community progress in the Lower Eastern region.
