The groundbreaking ceremony for Thika Stadium took place recently. Government officials have pledged that local businesses and traders in Thika will not face any displacement or commercial interruptions as work begins on the new modern stadium with a capacity for 10,000 spectators.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya described the multi-million-shilling initiative as a project aimed at enhancing the region’s sporting status while ensuring minimal impact on neighboring businesses. During the ceremony in Thika, Mvurya stressed that economic activities would remain safeguarded throughout construction. “I want to confirm that businesses adjacent to the stadium and other livelihood operations will continue uninterrupted once this project commences,” he stated. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that the facility will act as crucial infrastructure to stimulate economic advancement and establish Thika as a central sports destination in Kiambu County.
Mvurya was joined by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, and Defence PS Patrick Mariru. Tuya reinforced the commitment, noting that current facilities within the stadium premises would be preserved. “The sporting amenities already in place within the stadium will remain undisturbed by the new construction,” she affirmed. She further mentioned that the venture, projected to cost hundreds of millions of shillings, would substantially elevate Thika town’s development and prominence. The enhanced complex will include an upgraded 10,000-seat capacity, an eight-lane contemporary running track, a regulation football field, dressing facilities, a covered structure, and an exclusive pavilion for VIP guests.
Work on the stadium is anticipated to be completed within a year, with the venue designated as one of Kenya’s training sites for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Sports PS Elijah Mwangi indicated that Kiambu stands as a primary beneficiary of the national government’s continuous efforts to establish contemporary sporting facilities across the country. The region already houses important stadiums including Kirigiti, Karatu, and Thika, along with talent development centers in Kimuchu and Kanjeru, and another center is planned for Kikuyu.
Community representatives, headed by Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika and Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, celebrated the initiative as a game-changing development, noting its potential to advance athletic talent cultivation and broaden financial prospects in the area.