Government confirms start of Esanige Stadium construction

Construction of the long-awaited Esanige Stadium in Nyamira County will begin within the next two weeks, the Principal Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Patrick Mariru, has confirmed.

Dr. Mariru made the announcement during a visit to Esanige playground where the 10,000-capacity modern stadium will be built. He assured residents that all preparations had been finalized and that the contractor assigned to undertake the project would be on site within two weeks to commence construction works.

“We are here today to fast-track the President’s promise to the people of Nyamira that a modern mega stadium will be constructed within the next nine months. I am here to ensure that the promise is fulfilled, and the contractor has already been assigned to undertake the works,” Dr. Mariru told residents who gathered at the site.

The PS said the facility has been designed to meet modern sporting standards and will feature an eight-lane running track, a football pitch and spectator terraces with a seating capacity of 10,000 people.

According to Dr. Mariru, the stadium will not only provide a platform for nurturing sports talent among young people but will also stimulate economic growth across Nyamira and neighbouring counties.

He urged residents to support the project, noting that it would become a major economic asset for the region. The facility is expected to create employment opportunities during construction and operation while generating revenue for the county government through sporting events and other activities.

Nyamira County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Benard Maina, welcomed the development and said residents were fully prepared to support the project and benefit from the economic opportunities it would create.

“The people of this area are ready for this project because they understand the benefits it will bring during construction and after completion,” Maina said.

He added that Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo is committed to working closely with the National Government to ensure successful implementation of the project.

Maina said the county administration views the stadium as a transformative development that will significantly improve the county’s social and economic landscape.

Dr. Mariru, who was accompanied by Medical Services PS Dr. Ouma Oluga and National Syndemic Diseases Control Council Chief Executive Officer Douglas Bosire, assured residents that the project would be completed within the stipulated timelines.

The delegation was received by Nyamira County Commissioner Benson Parimorijo, County Secretary Dr. Jack Magara, Sports CECM Dr. John Matiang’i, Health CECM Dr. Donald Mogoi, Finance CECM Stephen Oboso and senior county officials, including Chief Officers Rael Momanyi for Sports and Dr. Ombogo Marwanga for Lands.

The planned stadium is part of a development pledge made by President William Ruto during his visit to Nyamira County on April 13 this year. While launching the construction of an ultra-modern market for micro, small and medium enterprises, the President promised residents that funds would be allocated for the construction of a modern stadium at Esanige.

The latest announcement by the Ministry of Defence signals the beginning of the project’s implementation process and brings the county closer to realizing one of its most anticipated sports infrastructure developments.

 

by Deborah Bochere