By Habil Onyango
The ongoing renovation of Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay is expected to be completed by 20th May 2025, Cabinet Secretary for Sports and Youths Salim Mvurya has said.
The stadium is undergoing a facelift in preparation for the Madaraka Day celebrations on 1st June, which will be presided over by President William Ruto.
Speaking at the stadium during the handover to the contractor, the CS said that the stadium is also being prepared to host other sporting activities.
“We have had a meeting with the contractor and other senior national and county government officials, and we have all agreed that this work has to be of a high standard and should be completed in record time,” said the CS.
“The works we are doing here—part of it is going to be compliant with the Madaraka Day celebrations, and some part of it will meet the standards required for sporting activities,” added Mvurya.
A week ago, a team managing national ceremonies, led by the Principal Secretary for Interior, inspected the stadium among other infrastructure in readiness for the celebrations.
“The team managing national ceremonies visited here and gave their recommendations, which will be implemented to ensure that this stadium is available for the Madaraka celebrations and other sporting events,” he said.
The CS was accompanied by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and other senior officials from the national and county governments.
“I want to thank Governor Wanga for the partnership, since we can only succeed if we work together as a team. I am happy that this has been demonstrated by the ongoing activities,” said the CS.
Mvurya also directed the contractor to ensure that he engages Homa Bay youths in jobs during the facelift.
“One important thing we have told the contractor is that the people of Homa Bay should feel that this project belongs to their county by being given priority in the jobs available here,” he said.
“I am sure the people of Homa Bay have all the skills needed for this work, and I want to encourage the contractor to utilise the youths from this area so that when the stadium is completed, they will also have money in their pockets,” said the CS.
Governor Wanga thanked the President for the promise he made when he attended the Genowa Governors’ Cup, accompanied by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, that his government would elevate the stadium to international standards.
The Governor said this commitment is evident through the recent visit by the national government delegation, the CS’s visit, and the ongoing construction work.
“There are people who like spreading propaganda that our President only makes promises without action. The ongoing construction work clearly shows that the Head of State has kept his promise, and we are very grateful to him,” said Wanga.
According to the Governor, the stadium will now boast a 12,000-seating capacity, terraces, canopies, new gates, and a changing room once completed.
