Mombasa County embarks on upgrading sports facilities

The county government of Mombasa is shifting its focus to sports development to drive socio-economic growth, youth empowerment and infrastructure upgrades.

Mombasa is undertaking a series of sports infrastructure project development and upgrades aimed at repositioning the coastal city’s sporting facilities to world-class standards.

The coastal county is executing a major push to establish itself as a regional sporting powerhouse by expanding infrastructure.

Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir says the devolved government currently has Mombasa Municipal, Ziwani and Mwahima stadium projects under construction.

He added that Bomu Stadium, with a seating capacity of 3,000 spectators and which features a FIFA-standard AstroTurf pitch, changing rooms, and floodlights for night games, is 100 percent complete and awaiting official commissioning.

The coastal county boss said his administration is determined to rejuvenate critical sports infrastructure across Mombasa.

The ongoing Sh1.7 billion redevelopment of the Mombasa municipal stadium is being converted into a 15,000-seater, modern FIFA-standard low-altitude sports hub.

The revamped facility will feature a world-class pitch, a new protective canopy, modern spectator terraces, floodlights and an upgraded VIP pavilion suitable for hosting international matches.

Nassir says the upgraded stadium is specifically designed to function as an alternative venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The governor said they are committed to working closely with all the relevant stakeholders to position Mombasa as a leading sports tourism destination.

“We currently have three major stadium projects under construction, Mombasa Municipal Stadium, with a planned capacity of 15,000 spectators, and Ziwani and Mwahima stadiums, each with a capacity of 3,000 spectators,” he said, adding that the ongoing projects would be delivered in 2027.

Governor Nassir said the investments are part of a broader strategy to build a modern and integrated sports infrastructure network across Mombasa.

He said Mombasa Stadium will serve as the county’s principal venue for major national and international sporting events, while Ziwani and Mwahima stadiums will provide dedicated training grounds and complementary facilities to support teams participating in international matches hosted at Mombasa Stadium.

“All three projects are ongoing strengthening Mombasa’s readiness to host major sporting competitions while expanding access to quality facilities for our athletes and nurturing local talent for sports development across the county,” he said.

He said the county will scale up the construction, rehabilitation, modernization and maintenance of sporting facilities across all the 30 administrative wards of Mombasa.

Nassir said the ongoing stadium projects represent a bold step towards restoring Mombasa’s sporting glory and creating sustainable opportunities for posterity.

Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of sports Jonathan Wepukhulu says the projects are not only delivering critical sports infrastructure but are also creating meaningful economic opportunities within the communities.

Wepukhulu said even as construction continues, the projects are already making an impact by creating numerous jobs for local residents, directly boosting household incomes and stimulating the local economy.

He said Governor Nassir promised to transform the sports sector in Mombasa in the past and that the county is turning that promise into a reality as construction works of FIFA-standard-size stadiums continue to make steady progress.

The County Sports Executive says Mombasa is deliberately repositioning sports as a catalyst for youth empowerment, infrastructure development and economic growth for prosperity.

By Hussein Abdullahi