Maragua residents back Sh750m Gakoigo Stadium

Residents of Gakoigo in Maragua have expressed optimism that the proposed Sh750 million Gakoigo International Stadium will revitalise the local economy and improve their livelihoods.

The proposed 10,000-seater facility will be built by a Chinese contractor and supervised by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to ensure it meets international standards and is completed within the stipulated timeline.

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The project received unanimous approval during a public participation forum held on Friday at the Gakoigo grounds in Maragua.

The forum, chaired by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, brought together community leaders, youth groups, traders and sports stakeholders. They described the project as a timely investment that will unlock economic and sporting opportunities in the region.

Resident James Kimani said the town has struggled with poor cash flow due to the lack of reliable cash crops, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.

“Currently, we rely on Maragua market to sell our goods. Our market here is not as big and half the shops are closed,” he said.

He noted that regular sporting activities at the stadium will create a ready market for farm produce and open up opportunities for small businesses.

The Gakoigo ground was established in the 1960s as a venue for agricultural trade fairs, public rallies, and sports activities. At the time, the facility featured a watchtower, a spectator terrace, and permanent exhibition stands.

Decades ago, the ground was a beehive of activity and became famous for agricultural exhibitions that attracted farmers from across the region for training on modern farming practices.

Over time, however, the infrastructure deteriorated. The compound is now overgrown with bushes and large indigenous trees that partly conceal some of the ageing structures.

Mwangi said construction of the long-awaited stadium will begin within the next few weeks, noting that the government is in the final stages of procurement.

A groundbreaking ceremony is expected within three weeks once the tendering process is finalised.

“Once the tendering process is done, contractors will start the works immediately,” Mwangi said.

He said the stadium will be completed within 12 months after the commencement of works.

According to the PS, the Kenya Defence Forces will oversee construction to guarantee quality, adherence to timelines, and value for public funds.

All existing structures on the nine-acre parcel earmarked for the stadium will be cleared to pave the way for the new development.

Once completed, the facility will feature a standard football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, modern changing rooms, administrative offices and commercial spaces, including shops. It is also designed to meet international standards, enabling it to host high-profile competitions.

Mwangi said the project will create employment opportunities for local youth, particularly during the construction phase, and urged them to prepare to take up available jobs.

“I’m appealing to local youths to take advantage of the job opportunities that will be availed by this project and benefit directly from this investment,” he said.

The government is also constructing two sports academies in Mariira and Kandara to nurture grassroots talent as part of the 37 sports academies being constructed across the country at a cost of Sh1.7 billion.

Maragua MP Mary Waithera lauded the government for the project saying it will transform the area and give locals a lifeline.

“The hospitality industry in Maragua and surrounding areas will receive a strong boost once the stadium is complete. Businesses, including the transport sector, will also witness improved returns,” the lawmaker said.

She said the area’s strategic position near Maragua town and the busy Thika-Murang’a highway makes it suitable for hosting national and international sporting events.

Waithera urged residents to prepare to take full advantage of the business opportunities that will arise.