Once idle and dilapidated , Bukhungu Stadium aims to find its spark
The Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega could soon be one of the most beautiful and eye-catching landmarks in Kakamega County once the ongoing construction is complete.
The facility is currently undergoing massive reconstruction financed by the Kakamega County government.
The reconstruction, according to the county government, would cost Sh 1 billion. Phase one of the project is nearing completion with 85 percent of the work done.
Once complete, the stadium will be a multi- purpose facility hosting several activities such as athletics, indoor games, and football, amongst others.
Though still work is in progress, what has been done is so far pleasant to the eyes with the terraces looking spruced.
The county government says the terraces will be fitted with seats while plans are afoot to make the VIP section a state of the art complete with modern changing rooms.
County executive in charge of infrastructure Collins Matemba said that the new stadium will be host 20,000 people, catapulting it to a top level facility in the country.
Currently, the imposing 60,000 seater Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani , remain the only ‘world-class’ stadium, while the 30,000 seater Nyayo National Stadium, also in Nairobi, is undergoing a facelift.
The poor state of the stadia recently made Kenya lose the Chan 2018 hosting rights.
The ongoing construction has so far attracted the attention of Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye and FKF boss Nick Mwendwa who are toying with the idea of having the stadium host some of the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup matches in December.
“We’ve had talks with the governor and agreed that either Bukhungu or Mumias Sports Complex will host four teams during the CECAFA tournament,” Mwendwa said recently on his while wind tour of the country’s sports facilities.
Enos Wakhanu, FKF Kakamega sub branch secretary says the region is known for its sporting prowess, and welcomed the facelift terming it “long overdue”.
Once open, the facility will act as a home ground to Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz who had been forced to shift base to the Mumias Complex.
Sibling rivalry
However, it seems, there could be sibling rivalry for the pie, as AFC Leopards fans also show interest.
Festus Alujo, a diehard Ingwe fan, hopes that the club’s hierarchy will have a rethink and use the venue as home ground for some of its matches.
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