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Kirigiti Stadium's unfinished dreams and neglect haunt East Africa's hopes, as taxpayers wonder if it will ever fulfill its promise.
On Thursday 26 October, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba dropped a bombshell for Kenya's national teams, including Harambee Stars.
They were to relocate to Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County and Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi, as the renowned Kasarani and Nyayo stadia were slated for a complete renovation ahead of hosting the prestigious 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This decision left taxpayers bewildered, considering that they had invested a substantial Ksh596 million into the construction of the 15,000-seater Kirigiti Stadium just outside Kirigiti town, a mere two kilometers from Kiambu Town.
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However, despite being declared 90% complete a year and a half ago, this state-of-the-art facility remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Namwamba's revelation was undoubtedly surprising, raising questions about the timeline for the closure and renovation of the Kasarani and Nyayo stadia.
While the authorities handed over these facilities to the military for refurbishments, they have not officially shut their gates to the public.
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The situation leaves both athletes and sports enthusiasts in a state of limbo, unsure of when they will witness the next thrilling match.
Kirigiti Stadium, hailed as a groundbreaking addition to East Africa's sporting infrastructure, boasts the unique distinction of being constructed using pre-cast concrete technology.
Its official launch was originally scheduled just days before the August 9, 2022, general elections.
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However, that grand ceremony never materialized, and it appears that the wait for the inaugural match will be a protracted one, as construction work lingers on without a clear endpoint in sight.
In August, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) cleared the stadium for use after a comprehensive assessment by the FKF Venue Inspection Committee.
This evaluation encompassed crucial aspects such as pitch quality, spectator facilities, security arrangements, and adherence to FKF, CAF, and FIFA regulations.
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Despite the green light from the federation, a recent visit by Pulse Sports revealed a grim reality at the stadium.
Neglect takes hold
The Pulse Sports team observed that progress at the stadium is sluggish, and it is far from being ready for any sporting event.
While a grass mower was seen on the main arena, other areas of the facility are overrun with untamed grass.
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The contractor may still be on-site, but parked machinery and equipment sit rusting away.
Sections of the perimeter wall remain unfinished, and the access roads are narrow and unpaved. Perhaps most concerning is the lack of security measures, with unattended gates and no security cameras in sight, leaving the stadium vulnerable to potential vandalism.
Furthermore, the overgrown grass and portions of the incomplete perimeter wall have transformed into a dumping ground.
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It appears that the stadium has attracted more than just sports enthusiasts; nearby residents suggest that rodents and rats from the surrounding flats have made it their new home.
One resident lamented that, "Today, people can go there and hunt porcupines and suchlike." It's a far cry from the promise of a modern sports facility that was meant to uplift the area.
Even if the stadium were to miraculously open its doors, there is another pressing issue: accessibility. When it rains, the roads surrounding the facility become impassable, adding to the list of challenges that need addressing before Kirigiti Stadium can truly serve as a sporting hub.
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A vision unfulfilled
In June 2022, the Kenya News Agency reported that the stadium was 90% complete. However, fast forward one year and six months, and it is evident that work is still ongoing, interspersed with a troubling sense of neglect.
The stadium's features, including a modern grass football pitch, two presidential holding rooms, a VIP pavilion, four changing rooms, washrooms, kitchens, and stores, remain underutilized and unappreciated.
The government had initially portrayed this project as a beacon of hope for the nation's youth and aspiring athletes, offering them a dedicated space for their sporting endeavors.
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Yet, as the uncertainty lingers, it begs the question of whether Kirigiti Stadium will ever fulfill this vision. One cannot help but wonder if the investment and effort poured into this facility will ultimately bear fruit.
An uncertain future
As the saga of Kirigiti Stadium continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: it stands as a testament to the challenges and complexities of infrastructure development in Kenya.
While the intentions were undoubtedly noble, the road to completion has been fraught with setbacks, delays, and unmet promises.
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The fate of Kirigiti Stadium hangs in the balance, much like the aspirations of the athletes and sports enthusiasts it was meant to serve.
Until the day comes when the gates finally swing open, and the cheers of fans resound within its walls, this modern marvel will remain a symbol of unfulfilled potential, haunted by uncertainty.
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