Kenyan Premier League side AFC Leopards and Nzoia Sugar will inaugurate the newly built Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, Bungoma County when they battle in a Madaraka Day Cup encounter on Saturday afternoon.
The facility, which will be opened by President William Ruto during the 61st Madaraka Day celebration, will be a key venue for sporting activities in football in the mad Western Kenya region.
Sitting on a 20-acre piece of land, the facility was originally built in the pre-colonial era - 1956 - and named Kanduyi Stadium. It has since been rebranded in honour of freedom fighter, Masinde Muliro.
Before the renovation, the facility was the home of Nzoia Sugar, who relocated to Sudi Stadium in the larger sugar belt region. Nzoia are plying their trade in the second-tier National Super League.
In 2019, the national and county governments started the upgrade, spearheaded by the then governor, Wycliffe Wangamati, before handing over to his successor, former Speaker of Senate Kenneth Lusaka.
Luska said that it has been long since the stadium hosted a big match and it is time for the local enthusiasts to enjoy some action.
“We have managed to bring this for a long time. We shall host sportsmen and women here,” said the governor after visiting the facility last week.
For decades, Bungoma has produced exceptional athletes, but opportunities were limited. Now, with this state-of-the-art facility, dreams can take flight.
Young athletes will have access to a world-class training ground, professional coaching, and the chance to compete on a grand stage, inspiring future generations.
