Kitui County is set to receive a major facelift as President William Ruto’s administration races to complete a Ksh 1.2 billion infrastructure upgrade ahead of the Mashujaa Day national celebrations scheduled for October.
At the heart of this transformation is the ongoing construction of the Ithookwe Stadium, a Ksh 800 million project designed to mirror the Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu.
The 10,000-seat stadium will feature a presidential pavilion, a pitch and track certified for international games, several VIP lounges, and boardrooms.
According to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who toured the site this week, construction is 15% complete and on track for completion by October 6.
“We are on schedule, and I’m pleased with the quality of work. After Mashujaa Day, the stadium will be upgraded to support a range of sporting disciplines, including athletics. This is about creating a legacy of opportunity for Kitui youth,” Mvurya said.
To support the influx of guests and dignitaries expected during the celebrations, the Kitui Airstrip will also undergo improvements.
Additionally, Ksh 400 million will be spent on supporting infrastructure, including link roads, water systems, and street lighting across Kitui Town.
The development is part of a broader government push to decentralize national events and promote regional inclusion.
The old County Commissioner’s residence has been demolished to pave way for a new mini State Lodge. The facility will serve as a base for the President during visits to the region, and more immediately during Mashujaa Week.
“Kitui was meant to host Madaraka Day, but due to poor infrastructure, the government shifted the event to Homa Bay. This time, we’re making sure we’re ready,” said Deputy Governor Augustine Wambua, who praised the collaboration between the county and national governments.
President Ruto’s administration has emphasized local empowerment in the implementation of the project. Mvurya called on contractors to prioritize hiring local youth and artisans.
“Our goal is not just to build stadiums, but to build communities,” he said.
Analysts say the Ithookwe Stadium project reflects President Ruto’s wider strategy to spread development projects beyond major cities while also strengthening his political presence in the Ukambani region ahead of 2027.
With the clock ticking and political expectations rising, Kitui is on course to make history as the first Ukambani county to host a national holiday in modern Kenya.
