Kisii governor explains why Shabana rejected Homa Bay as temporary home venue
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 07.07.26. | 21:53
When completed in April 2027, the new-look Gusii Stadium is expected to provide Shabana with one of the most modern home grounds in Kenyan football.
Shabana FC patron and Kisii Governor Simba Arati has explained why the Glamour Boys will not make neighbouring Homa Bay's Raila Odinga Stadium their temporary home despite the venue being one of the closest top-flight stadiums to Kisii.
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The FKF Premier League side is searching for a new base after demolition works at Gusii Stadium were completed to pave the way for a Ksh1 billion redevelopment project.
Once complete, the upgraded facility will be transformed into a modern 14,000-seater stadium featuring a FIFA-standard football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track and other world-class amenities.
The project is expected to be completed by April 2027, forcing Shabana to spend at least the next season away from their traditional home.
While Raila Odinga Stadium had emerged as a possible venue due to its proximity, Arati said the club deliberately ruled it out because of the fierce sporting rivalry between Kisii and Homa Bay.
"We have already secured two venues for training, Afraha Stadium and Narok Stadium," Arati said.
"You know our neighbours in Homa Bay. There is that sibling rivalry, and sometimes, such rivalries can work against you. We do not want to take Shabana there."
"We have very good facilities at Afraha Stadium and Narok Stadium, and those are the places we are focusing on."
The governor's remarks effectively end speculation that Shabana could relocate to Homa Bay during Gusii Stadium's renovation.
The redevelopment of Gusii Stadium is one of the biggest sports infrastructure projects in the region. The old facility has been completely demolished to make way for a brand-new international-standard venue that will significantly improve sports infrastructure in Kisii County.
Besides the 14,000-seater arena and FIFA-compliant playing surface, the stadium will also include a modern eight-lane athletics track, replacing the ageing tartan that had deteriorated over the years and was no longer capable of hosting major athletics competitions.
When completed in April 2027, the new-look Gusii Stadium is expected to provide Shabana with one of the most modern home grounds in Kenyan football.