Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday toured Kitui to inspect the fast-rising Ithookwe Stadium, the centrepiece of preparations for next month’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The 10,000-seater facility, already 80% complete, is being built to international standards at a cost of Sh700m.
Kindiki urged contractors to ensure timely delivery without compromising on quality.
“This stadium must stand the test of time, not just for one day of celebrations but for generations of Kitui residents,” he said.
The project is part of a wider facelift that includes the Sh150m rehabilitation of the Ithookwe Airstrip, as the county gears up to host thousands of visitors for the 20 October holiday.
Roads, electricity and water supply systems are also being upgraded in what local leaders describe as the most significant state investment in Kitui in decades.
The practice of rotating national holidays across counties has transformed infrastructure elsewhere. In Machakos, Kenyatta Stadium was renovated to host Mashujaa Day in 2016.
Kisii’s Gusii Stadium was upgraded for the 2020 celebrations, while Narok’s William Ole Ntimama Stadium was refurbished in 2019. Embu’s Njukiri Showground received a facelift before Madaraka Day in 2023.
Economically, the benefits are clear. Local hotels and eateries often record full bookings weeks before the events.
Traders see a surge in business, while transport operators cash in on the influx of visitors. Counties also inherit improved stadiums, roads and utilities, boosting sports, culture and civic activities long after the dignitaries have left.
Critics caution that some projects have been rushed. Eldoret’s Kipchoge Keino Stadium, upgraded for the 2010 Mashujaa Day, later fell into disrepair, highlighting questions about sustainability. Officials in Kitui insist Ithookwe will not follow that path, pledging proper maintenance plans and long-term community use.
For the national government, the strategy is both political and practical. Rotating national days showcases unity and devolution while easing pressure on Nairobi, which traditionally hosted such events. For counties, it is an opportunity to leapfrog in infrastructure and visibility.
