Homa Bay: Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, officially handed over the newly refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium to the National Celebrations Steering Committee, signaling final preparations for this year's Madaraka Day celebrations to be held in Homa Bay County. Speaking during the ceremony, CS Mvurya described the completion of the 12,000-seater stadium as a landmark achievement, delivered within a record four months under a presidential directive issued in December 2024.
According to Kenya News Agency, the facility was handed over to the National Celebrations Steering Committee, chaired by Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, who will spearhead final preparations for the June 1st national event. Mvurya disclosed that while the stadium is ready for the celebrations, additional upgrades are planned to raise the arena to international standards.
'We are working on installing tartan tracks, upgrading the pitch to international grass standards, and enhancing other critical amenities. Our long-term goal is to position this stadium to host not only national tournaments but also international fixtures,' he said.
The Cabinet Secretary commended the collaborative effort that enabled the timely completion of the stadium, crediting both national and county government agencies for their commitment. 'We thank the County Government of Homa Bay and the local leadership for their unwavering support. I also recognize the inter-agency teamwork particularly from Roads, Energy, and Interior, that made this delivery possible,' he noted.
Meanwhile, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who accompanied the CS during the handover, described the stadium's transformation as a monumental gain for the region. Governor Gladys Wanga hailed the transformation of Raila Odinga Stadium as a testament to what coordinated government action can achieve, noting that the facility is not just a sports ground, but a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and regional pride. 'We are honoured to host this year's Madaraka Day and the first-ever Mashemeji Derby outside Nairobi.' said Wanga.
The refurbished stadium is expected to host thousands of Kenyans on June 1, marking Kenya's transition to self-governance and reaffirming the government's commitment to inclusive development.