Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi on Tuesday hosted Principal Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Patrick Mariru, alongside a technical delegation from the Department of Defence (DoD), for high-level consultations aimed at upgrading Thika Stadium into a modern 10,000-seater international-standard sports facility.
The meeting, held in Kiambu county government headquarters in Kiambu town, underscored a growing partnership between the County Government of Kiambu and the Ministry of Defence, with both institutions agreeing to jointly implement the ambitious infrastructure project. The upgrade is expected to position Thika Stadium as a regional hub for athletics and football, while boosting local economic activity and youth sports development.
According to officials present, the scope of work will be extensive and transformative. It includes the construction of a standard football pitch, an 8-lane athletics track that meets international specifications, modern spectator stands, and a fully equipped VIP lounge to host dignitaries and officials during major sporting events.
Governor Wamatangi emphasized that the project aligns with his administration’s broader agenda of investing in world-class infrastructure and promoting sports as a driver of social and economic development in Kiambu County.
“This collaboration with the Ministry of Defence demonstrates our commitment to delivering quality, long-lasting infrastructure for our people. Thika Stadium will not only nurture sporting talent but also stimulate business opportunities and community pride,” said Governor Wamatangi.
In addition to the core stadium works, modern kiosks currently under construction around the facility will form part of the stadium ecosystem. County officials confirmed that these kiosks will be allocated free of charge to existing traders, ensuring that local businesses benefit directly from the upgrade and are not displaced by the development.
To guarantee efficiency, quality, and transparency, a joint technical team comprising officials from the Ministry of Defence and the County Government of Kiambu will oversee the project’s implementation and monitor progress at every stage.
In a move welcomed by residents, the project will prioritize hiring local workers from Thika for construction-related jobs. This approach is expected to create meaningful employment opportunities, inject income into the local economy, and strengthen community ownership of the project.
Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to delivering the project to the highest standards, noting the DoD’s vast experience in large-scale infrastructure development.
Once completed, the upgraded Thika Stadium is expected to host national and regional competitions, attract sporting tourism, and serve as a training ground for upcoming athletes, marking a significant milestone in Kiambu County’s development journey.
