Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa (C) inspects construction works on Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega town on Wednesday /HILTON OTENYO




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The completion of Bukhungu Stadium should be fast-tracked to ensure it is ready by the end of the year, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has said.

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The national government, through the Ministry of Sports, took over the stalled project after it had been on hold for over three years.

During an inspection of the facility, Barasa said the long-awaited completion is finally within reach, noting the stadium is more than 50 per cent complete.

“We have agreed with the contractor on an accelerated programme to meet our target. The county has committed additional funds to ensure construction remains on track,” he said.

The county has already spent Sh875 million on the project, with Sh475 million and Sh400 million allocated to the first and second phases, respectively.

The first phase included offices, a 200-capacity parking space, stands, VIP and VVIP rooms, a doping control room and two changing rooms.

The second phase involved constructing the main VIP stand, terraces, a gym, six changing rooms and a dispensary.

The upcoming works in the southern ‘C’ Section will cover lighting, changing rooms, natural turf converted to CAF standards, seating areas, ablution blocks and VIP changing rooms, scheduled for completion within three months.

Barasa emphasised the project is a joint effort between the Kakamega government and the national government.

“This is a partnership project. The county is progressively putting in Sh600 million to complement national government support,” he said.

Barasa thanked President William Ruto for his instrumental intervention in ensuring the stadium’s structural works are progressing.

Accompanied by the contractor and engineers, the governor stressed the need to increase the workforce and allow multiple activities to run simultaneously to meet timelines.

Barasa expressed confidence that, once complete, Bukhungu Stadium could host matches for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The stadium, which successfully hosted the Cecafa Under-18 Championships, is also expected to host 2027 AFCON matches, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Bukhungu Stadium is one of the flagship projects initiated by the first Kakamega governor, Wycliffe Oparanya.