KDF to lead 10,000-seat stadium construction in Vihiga

The Kenya Defence Forces will lead the construction of Kidundu Stadium in Vihiga County, a project the government says is expected to be completed within nine months.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony in Vihiga on Thursday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the announcement by President William Ruto marked a significant step in delivering key infrastructure in the region.

The stadium, with a planned capacity of 10,000 seats, is estimated to cost Sh900 million and is among the flagship projects being implemented in the county this year.

Mudavadi said he had asked the President to consider allocating an additional Sh100 million to improve access to the facility.

“I have requested the President to consider allocating an additional Sh100 million to support this project, so that we can have the road from Majengo passing through Kidundu Stadium and joining Mbale tarmacked, thus making this stadium easily accessible,” Mudavadi noted.

He said the stadium would be able to host matches that meet international standards once completed.

“On behalf of the people of Vihiga County, I want to thank the President for turning this dream into a reality. I want to remind my people of Vihiga that those who began the journey to have a modern stadium in Kidundu are no longer with us, but their hope and aspirations are finally coming true,” he said.

Mudavadi added that the groundbreaking paves the way for the final phase of compensating affected landowners, a process he said should be completed within two months. He assured those affected that due process would be followed.

“The government intends to ensure every landowner is left in a comfortable place once they relinquish their land. Their contribution will not be forgotten,” he said.

“I place those who heed to the government’s request in high regard and assure them that personally I will follow up on their compensation to the last coin as pledged by the President,” Mudavadi added.

He urged residents to support the government, saying its development commitments are being implemented progressively.

He also noted that landowners who contributed to the project would be recognised in the stadium’s Hall of Honour, following an agreement to release more than 20 acres for construction.

During the visit, the President and the Prime Cabinet Secretary also commissioned 220 housing units under the Milimani Estate affordable housing project in Majengo, Vihiga County.

The units, comprising nine blocks, are complete and ready for handover to beneficiaries.

Mudavadi said the housing initiative is part of a broader programme aimed at expanding access to housing and supporting livelihoods.

“This reflects the Government’s collective commitment to creating jobs, empowering communities, and expanding access to decent housing,” he said.

The first phase of the Vihiga project was implemented at a cost of Sh536,180,334 under the State Department for Housing and Urban Development.

The leaders also laid the foundation stone for the Mbale County Strategic Market, a Sh365 million project expected to benefit about 1,500 traders as part of the government’s plan to modernise markets and support small businesses.