The National Government, in conjunction with the County Government of Kiambu County, has officially launched the construction of an ultra-modern KSh 850 million, 10,000-seater stadium in Thika.
The landmark project was unveiled amid a charged political atmosphere, reflecting the shifting alliances and emerging rivalries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The launch ceremony was presided over by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
They were accompanied by Thika Member of Parliament Alice Ng’ang’a and Rosemary Kirika, kiambu deputy governor.
The event exposed underlying political tensions, with two distinct camps emerging one allied to Governor Wamatangi and another aligned with MP Ng’ang’a, who is widely seen as positioning herself for a gubernatorial bid in 2027.
Speaking during the launch, CS for defence Soipan Tuya described the state-of-the-art facility as a transformative project that will “change the face of Thika” by boosting sports development, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating local businesses.
She dismissed claims that hawkers operating around the stadium would be displaced, assuring them that their kiosks would not be demolished. She termed the allegations as propaganda meant to cause unnecessary panic among the the hawkers.
Sports CS Salim Mvurya noted that the Thika stadium project is part of the government’s broader nationwide program to construct and upgrade sports facilities. He emphasized that the initiative aims to nurture talent at the grassroots level and position Kenya as a regional sports powerhouse.
Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a reiterated her commitment to protecting small-scale traders, promising that hawkers would not lose their livelihoods due to the project.
She affirmed that development must go hand in hand with safeguarding the interests of ordinary wananchi.
On her part, Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika said the County Government of Kiambu is fully committed to partnering with the national government to ensure the project benefits residents economically and socially. She underscored the importance of collaboration between the two levels of government in delivering meaningful development.
Once complete, the 10,000-seater stadium is expected to significantly elevate Thika’s sporting profile, offering modern facilities for athletics, football, and other disciplines while injecting fresh momentum into the town’s economy.
