Wetang’ula tells contractor to complete works on Masinde Muliro Stadium on time

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called for the speedy completion of the rehabilitation of Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi.

 Wetang’ula said the facility will play a critical role in nurturing sports talent and positioning Bungoma as a regional sporting hub.

 Speaking after an inspection tour of the stadium, Wetang’ula directed the contractor to ensure the project is completed by October as committed by the government.

 “We want a full audit of the work already done, what remains pending and ensure the project is completed so that the stadium can be put to use,” Wetang’ula said.

 The inspection team included Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Webuye East MP and chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture Dan Wanyama, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli and nominated Senator Consolata Wakwabubi.

 Wetang’ula said the national and county governments were exploring plans to expand the sports complex to accommodate other sporting disciplines.

 “The stadium has adjacent land where we want to build basketball, netball, volleyball and handball courts, as well as a public swimming pool. This will create a sports ecosystem that can be used by the public under the management of the county government,” he said.

 He noted that the upgraded facility would transform sports development in Western Kenya by providing young athletes with modern infrastructure to train and compete.

 The additional facilities, he said, would support the growth of various sports while creating more opportunities for young people.

 “Sports facilities are critical in identifying, nurturing and developing talent. The completion of this stadium will provide a platform for our youth to excel in football and other sporting disciplines while creating economic opportunities for the surrounding community,” he said.

 Mvurya said the government had addressed challenges that had slowed the project and remained committed to meeting the October deadline.

 “We have reviewed the emerging issues and agreed that the stadium will be completed and ready for use by October. We will install the right grass, complete the tartan track, renovate the changing rooms, repair the roof and address all issues identified by engineers,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

 Mvurya said quality sports infrastructure was essential to Kenya’s ambition of becoming a leading sporting nation.

 “We do not want Bungoma to be left behind. The county remains an important part of the country’s development agenda,” he said.

 INSTANT ANALYSIS

The renewed push to complete Masinde Muliro Stadium reflects the government's growing emphasis on sports infrastructure as a tool for youth empowerment and regional economic development. Beyond football, plans to expand the facility into a multi-sport complex signal a broader strategy to diversify sporting opportunities and nurture talent at the grassroots level. For Bungoma, the project carries both sporting and political significance, with leaders keen to demonstrate progress on a long-delayed public investment. If completed by the October deadline, the stadium could boost local commerce, attract regional competitions and strengthen Western Kenya’s position in the national sports landscape.