We're working to have Raila Stadium hosts Cecafa, Afcon matches - Wanga

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga is confident that her county will host upcoming series of national and international football games at Raila Odinga Stadium.

The county government is bidding to host games such as Cecafa and the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Afcon will be held in 2027, with East African countries Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania playing host.

The East African countries have never hosted Africa's premier football tournament since it's inception.

Stadia in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will be selected for the Africa games.

Kenya’s government, through the Ministry of Sports, is already working closely with county governments to have pitches  improved to host the games.

Governor Wanga said they are working around the clock to ensure Homa Bay hosts some games.

“Raila Odinga Stadium is one of the best sports facilities in Kenya, and I’m confident the pitch will host the upcoming high-profile games like Cecafa and some Afcon matches,” Wanga said.

Raila Odinga Stadium, which has been in operation for six months has a seating capacity of at least 5,000 in its main pavilion.

It is currently used to host Kenya Premier League matches with Shabana FC using it as a home ground.

Several matches have been played at the stadium since it was opened in June last year.

Speaking during the second edition of the Genowa Governor’s Cup finals at the stadium on Sunday, Wanga said her administration is working closely with partners to improve the standards of the stadium.

Improvement of the stadium’s infrastructure will enable it to be able to increase its capacity for more games.

Present was Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma and Homa Bay Sports executive Sarah Malit.

“We will continue putting up more terraces and spaces for spectators to sit on this year,” she said.

Among proposed projects is increasing the height of the perimeter wall.

Governor Wanga said the project should be completed by 2027, when Afcon will be held.

Besides football, Raila Odinga Stadium is also preparing to host national athletic competitions. 

The Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)-Africa Center has already fixed the air quality monitoring sensor to enhance sporting activities at the stadium.

Sports personalities will know the quality of air they breathe during sporting events around the facility.

Athletics Kenya president Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei has visited the stadium and will continue to inspect it to see its status.

“Homa Bay has the best stadium with a view of the lake. We’re ready to host both national and international games,” Wanga said.

Kaluma urged residents to support leaders with the vision of developing them. The MP said he will work closely with Wanga to ensure they transform the country for the benefit of the people.

“It’s high time we stood with leaders whose focus is development. Such tournaments are good for talent development,” he said.

Malit said Genowa Governor’s Cup tournament is an annual sporting event meant to identify talents at the grass-roots level.

The tournament was earlier attended by Cabinet Secretary for Environment Soipan Tuya, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, and Woman Representative Joyce Osogo.

In the Genowa Governors Cup final game, Oyala FC won 4-2 against Raongo FC in the men category, while in the female category, Mwangaza FC won 1-0 against Ruma Kaksingri FC.