Phase one works on the Masinde Muliro Stadium upgrade project in Bungoma County is on course. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) delegation led by NEC member, Tony Kweya conducted an inspection of the facility and affirmed that the phase is in its final stages.
“We are working with the Bungoma County government to ensure the facility meets all the Fifa and Caf requirements. We are pleased with the progress of Phase One , which has taken almost one year,” said Kweya.
The stadium, which was then called Kanduyi Stadium was constructed in the early 50’s during the colonial era and had since deteriorated into a sorry state. At its prime, it hosted prime leagues in the Country. Sitting on 20 acres, the upgrade of the facility is split into two phases.
Upgrade works
The first phase of the upgrade will see the stadium built to accommodate up to 5,000 people including VIP bleachers with 2,000-seater capacity and public bleachers with 3,000-seater capacity. This phase will also include the construction of the main terrace, balcony and office space for heads of departments.
The second phase will see the stadium expanded to a 20,000-seater capacity facility – the biggest anywhere in the Western region. Upon completion, the stadium will have different facilities and offices including spectator areas, changing rooms, lockers, rooms for sports officials and team coaches, changing rooms for ancillary staff, public washrooms, First Aid and medical centre, pitch maintenance and control room as well as VIP Lounge.
Others facilities include a Media Centre, VVIP Lounge, boardrooms, an anti-doping room and referee changing rooms. The stadium will have a basketball court, football, volleyball, rugby, hockey and netball pitches, a swimming pool and a hall for indoor games and a gymnasium.
The stadium has produced some of Kenya’s sporting greats like Ben Jipcho (Silver Medalist in 3,000 metres in 1972), George Situma and Tom Wanjala (winners of Gossage Cup 1959), and Mary Nakhumicha (Paralympian) in Javelin.
