Government to kickstart construction of 10,000-seater stadium after stalling for 9 years

It will feature an eight-lane running track, modern changing rooms, and a VIP pavilion, according to PS Patrick Mariru.

“The stadium, the first of its kind in the county, will support football, athletics, and a host of other sports disciplines. The Kenya Defence Forces will oversee the construction works,” Mariru said.

Although the government has not officially disclosed the project’s cost, a source familiar with the plans told Mozzart Sport that the investment is expected to range between Ksh700 million and Ksh900 million, similar to recent stadium projects in Moi Stadium, Kisumu, Kabarnet Stadium, Thika Stadium, and Olengurone in Nakuru.

Construction is expected to take approximately nine months, with the facility set to become a hub for talent development and youth empowerment in Taita Taveta.

“Today, I took part in a consultative meeting on the Voi Stadium, jointly chaired by the Defence Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Soipan Tuya, and Governor Dr. Andrew Mwadime.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the County Government were also in attendance,” Mariru added.

Last week, a high-level delegation from Sports Kenya, KDF, and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) conducted a site visit at Vindo Show Ground to inspect the proposed site ahead of construction.

Governor Mwadime highlighted the transformative potential of the project.

“This stadium will nurture talent, empower our youth, grow the creative economy, and position Taita Taveta as a regional sports hub.

Our partnership with the national government is purely development-oriented, and I am optimistic that through such strategic infrastructure investments, we will steadily transform Taita Taveta into a modern, world-class county, our very own ‘Singapore’ in progress,” he said.

The facility will also serve as a new home for National Super League (NSL) side Mwatate United, providing them with an alternative venue alongside the Danson Mwanyumba Stadium.

The Taita Taveta Stadium project has long faced delays. Construction previously stalled due to corruption allegations surrounding earlier contracts.

In 2020, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) investigated discrepancies in contracts for the stadium’s renovation, including two contracts signed in 2017 with widely differing costs: one for Ksh94 million and another for Ksh74.7 million, despite the county budgeting only Ksh7 million.

A stadium of this magnitude, if implemented, will provide a lasting legacy for Taita Taveta, which has produced talents such as former Kenya international Ricky Solomon Tole and other local footballers, including Philip Tole, Maurice Godwin, Charles Anderson, and Oliver Misengo.