Fresh hope for Vihiga sports as government commits to build new stadium

The optimism comes after the launch of construction for a KSh 900 million state-of-the-art stadium at Kidundu, a project that local sports stakeholders are already describing as a turning point.

Officials and team representatives who attended the launch termed the development a “new dawn” for sports in Vihiga, expressing confidence that the facility will transform the county’s sporting landscape.

Led by Vihiga Queens head coach Boniface Nyamunyamu, stakeholders noted that the stadium will significantly reduce the financial burden of hosting top-tier matches outside the county.

“The stadium, once completed, will help us avoid the expenses we usually incur when hosting our league matches in neighbouring counties,” Nyamunyamu said, highlighting the challenges his team has faced over the years playing home fixtures in Kakamega and Kisumu.

Moses Mabwa, chairman of Kenya Women National Super League side Bunyore Starlets, echoed the sentiment, saying the 10,000-capacity Kidundu Stadium will not only uplift sports but also boost the county’s economy.

“I am grateful because, despite Vihiga being rich in talent, we have lacked the facilities needed to nurture and develop it,” Mabwa said.

However, Mabwa emphasized the need for additional investment in sports infrastructure across the county to prevent overreliance on a single facility.

“After the completion of Kidundu Stadium, there should be consideration for developing Mumboha Sports Ground or identifying alternative land in Bunyore to serve teams from Luanda and Emuhaya constituencies, while Kidundu caters to Sabatia and Vihiga constituencies,” he explained. He added that Hamisi constituency also requires a stadium to ensure equitable access across the county.

Meanwhile, struggling National Super League side Luanda Villa may have a reason to be optimistic after a financial boost was pledged to support teams in the top and second-tier leagues from the region.

The club, whose players recently boycotted training over five months of unpaid salaries, is hoping the funds will help stabilize operations.

“I would like my players to resume training immediately. The promised KSh 0.5 million will help me settle at least one month’s arrears and prepare for an upcoming away match,” said Luanda Villa chairman Moses Abwenje.

Abwenje also called for support in easing transport challenges faced by teams in the county.

“If we could get even one 51-seater bus to start with, we would be willing to engage further, through our leaders, to explore acquiring two 33-seater buses. One could serve Vihiga United and Vihiga Queens, while the other supports Luanda Villa and Bunyore Starlets. Transport remains a major challenge for all our teams,” he added.

Currently, Vihiga lacks a stadium that meets the standards required to host Kenya Premier League matches. Vihiga Queens and Madira Soccer Assassins use Moi International Sports Centre in Kisumu for their home games, while Vihiga United hosts National Super League matches at Mumias Sports Complex.

Luanda Villa, currently 14th on the NSL table with 25 points after 24 matches, has also faced venue challenges. The team was barred from using Mumboha Sports Ground following complaints from a local school over alleged property damage by fans. As a result, the team trains at Maseno School and only uses Mumboha for Sunday matches.

Bunyore Starlets, on the other hand, trains at Ebusakami Primary School grounds and relies on Mumboha Sports Ground for hosting its league fixtures.