The Ministry of Defence has announced that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will be deployed to assist with the upgrade of Moi Stadium in Kisumu County.
In a statement on Tuesday December 10, Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru said that the stadium's rehabilitation will be completed within the next year.
On Wednesday, December 10, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya met with officials from the Kisumu County Government, who gave the deployment the green light.
According to Mariru, the KDF will collaborate with other ministries and the Kisumu County Government to ensure the stadium is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
According to the PS, the stadium will have a seating capacity of 10,000 and feature modern facilities, including changing rooms, VIP lounges, an eight-lane running track, a football pitch and a training ground.
"Through collaboration with various Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and County Governments, the Ministry of Defence is spearheading the execution of strategic infrastructure projects that align with and drive the National Government Development Agenda," Mariru stated.
"This morning at Defence Headquarters, I joined Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya in hosting Kisumu Deputy Governor, H.E. Dr. Ochieng Owili, together with members of the Kisumu County Government Executive Committee, for discussions on the planned Moi Stadium in Kisumu City," he added.
In October, the Kisumu County government asserted that the refurbishment of the stadium would be fundamental not only to reinforcing sports infrastructure in the county, but also to strengthening its economic and social capacity.
According to the county government, most of the manpower required for the refurbishment will be sourced locally to create jobs for citizens.
"The commencement of the project is expected to usher in a new era for sports in Kisumu, providing world-class infrastructure to develop talent and host major competitions," the county government said.
President William Ruto's administration has pledged to deliver 25 new and enhanced stadiums nationwide, with all projects targeted for completion by 2027.
According to the Head of State, the stadium will provide world-class infrastructure that will enable young Kenyans to develop their talents and pursue professional sports careers.
The stadiums are under the "Talanta Hela" program, which seeks to monetise talents in sports and the creative economy.
