Historic Gakoigo grounds in Maragua to be upgraded to a 10,000-seater stadium

Sports PS Elijah Mwangi and a team of leaders inspect tour of Gakoigo grounds in Maragua. Behind him is a watch-tower used during communal activities.

The government has announced plans to upgrade Gakoigo grounds in Maragua constituency to a 10,000-seater stadium.

The stadium that was established in the 1960s as an arena for agricultural trade fairs, public rallies and sports was fitted with a watch tower, a spectator tower and permanent exhibition stands.

Decades ago, the grounds experienced a flurry of activities and was famous for consistent agricultural activities targeting farmers, who would travel from far and wide to be trained on farming practices.

Over time, however, the facilities became dilapidated and the compound dotted with bushes, with huge indigenous trees covering some of the structures.

Sports PS Elijah Mwangi toured the facility and announced the government had set aside Sh700 million to have the stadium upgraded.

“Gakoigo grounds has a rich and decorated history that dates back to the pre-independence days. In the 1960s, it was the main venue for community meetings before it was later declared by the government as the official venue for Agricultural Society of Kenya shows,” he said.

The grounds has an active farm used by organisations to plant and showcase various agricultural crops and practices.

A steeple-chase pool previously used in athletics is filled with rocks and sticks, and goal posts used in football old and worn out.

Gakoigo grounds that was established in 1960s in Maragua, Murang'a

Despite this, the grounds are used by youth for sports and still plays a huge role in hosting political events.

Mwangi said the now old, decrepit and dilapidated facility experiences sporadic vandalism of existing structures.

He said following a presidential directive during a meeting between President William Ruto and thousands of grassroots leaders from the county last week, it is about to get a new lease of life and be transformed into a modern stadium complete with auxiliary amenities,.

The new facility will feature an eight-lane running track, a standard football pitch, enhanced security features and modern changing rooms.

“This project will transform the dusty grounds into a world-class facility with the capacity to host national and international sporting events,” Mwangi said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to transform the sports sector by upgrading sporting infrastructure to spur economic development and create jobs.

Such facilities, the PS added, will help in nurturing diverse talents and exposing youths to better sports opportunities locally and internationally.

Sports PS Elijah Mwangi at Miriira in Kiharu, Murang'a, where the government is establishing a sports academy

The PS said the government will construct Miriira sports academy in the neighbouring Kiharu constituency.

“This is one of the 37 sports academies being constructed across the country at a cost of Sh1.7 billion in the Phase 1 of this project,” he said.

The project is 30 per cent complete and will feature a standard eight-lane athletics tracks, modern football pitch, a volleyball, netball and basketball courts, a borehole and changing rooms among other auxiliary features.

Already, the ground has been levelled and construction of the structure that will host changing rooms and offices underway.

Once complete, Mirira Academy of Sports will be monumental in nurturing the growth of talents among the youth in Murang’a county.

“I am delighted to note that the construction of this talent academy has created employment opportunities for the youth and contributing to livelihood improvement for families. This project will catalyse the growth of sporting talents in the region,” he said.