Sports CS Salim Mvurya has announced a government plan to invest Sh800 million in upgrading the Ithookwe showground, located near Kitui town, into an international stadium within six months. The facility is set to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, which will be presided over by President William Ruto.
The stadium will have a 10,000-seat capacity and meet international standards. Mvurya noted that the tender for construction would be advertised next week, with the handover of the completed project expected by October 10. He emphasized that the development goes beyond the Mashujaa Day event and will support future sporting activities like athletics and football.
Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, who accompanied Mvurya during the site inspection, addressed concerns about potential disruption of the annual agricultural show traditionally held at the venue. He assured the public that alternative locations, including the County Aggregation and Industrial Park in Kanyonyoo, were being considered to host the fair without interruption.
Malombe also expressed gratitude to President Ruto for selecting Kitui as the host for the national celebration, which has spurred the transformation of the showground into a world-class stadium.
