The ongoing rehabilitation of the Bukhungu Stadium will be completed in time for the Total Energies African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament set for later this year, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Hon. Ababu Namwamba has said.
While conducting a thorough assessment on the status of the stadium, in the company of County Governor Barasa Fernandes and Sports Kenya DG Pius Metto, the CS said that they have taken note of what it will take to finish the stadium in time to host the planned international events.
“Bukhungu is a shrine, a cathedral of football in Kenya. Our delight is that national government is working closely with the County to raise Bukhungu to international standards, because this stadium is important in the general frame of sports in the country.”
“We have seen the incredible potential this stadium bears in hosting significant events, with this region proving that they have what it takes to be fantastic hosts for big events as demonstrated through our school ball games held here last year.”
The CS lauded Gov. Barasa for forging a cordial relationship between the national and County Government for the benefit of the people.
“The constitution expects the two arms of government to work together and this is exactly what we are doing here.
“I acknowledge the passion that you bring to football and sports in general. The number of fans that grace this shrine of football is incredible, something you don’t see anywhere in Kenya and that is why we want to make it a natural home for international events.”
Gov. Barasa assured the CS of his County’s continued collaboration with the National government to ensure the completion of Bukhungu Stadium in readiness for CHAN, reiterating their commitment to transform Bukhungu to a center of sporting events in Western region.
Among the key areas of the stadium earmarked for rehabilitation by the ministry is the southern C section, installation of seats, revamping of the playing field, changing rooms and floodlights as the ministry ticks the critical boxes expected by CAF.
