Gakoigo stadium in Maragua to undergo a renovation costing around Sh700 million
In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts in Maragua, the government has announced plans to complete the Mirira Sports Academy in Kiharu Constituency and upgrade both the Gakoigo Stadium and Mumbi Grounds.
Currently, the Mirira Sports Academy, one of 37 sports academies being built across the country under phase one, is 30% complete. With funds allocated in the current budget, the government aims to fast-track its construction, although no exact completion date has been given. The PS for Youth and Sports, Elijah Mwangi, recently visited the site and expressed optimism about the progress, which is ahead of schedule.
The Mirira Sports Academy will be a multi-purpose facility, boasting an athletics track, a football pitch, basketball, volleyball, and netball courts. It will also feature a borehole and changing rooms.
Meanwhile, the Gakoigo Stadium, which has served as the Murang'a ASK ground and stadium since the pre-independence era, is in a dilapidated state due to vandalism. However, the government is ready to give the Gakoigo Stadium a lease of new life. The upgrades will transform the stadium into a 10,000-seater facility at a cost of Sh700 million. The upgraded Gakoigo Stadium is intended to host both national and international games competitions, promoting Maragua on the sporting map.
In a twist, the upgrade programme that was earmarked for Gakoigo Stadium was diverted to Mumbi Grounds in Kiharu. The Mumbi Grounds in Murang'a town will also be transformed into a modern stadium, further promoting sports in the area. The exact cost of the Mumbi Grounds upgrade is yet to be disclosed.
The Maragua MP, Mary Wamaua, questioned the diversion of the upgrade programme from Gakoigo Stadium to Mumbi Grounds. However, Mwangi assured that the government is committed to improving sports infrastructure in Maragua and Murang'a town, with the upgrades to both the Gakoigo Stadium and Mumbi Grounds expected to have a significant impact.
The upgraded Gakoigo Stadium will feature an eight-lane running track, a standard football pitch, modern changing rooms, and security features. The upgrades to the Gakoigo Stadium and Mumbi Grounds are being carried out in accordance with a presidential directive.
For many years, the Gakoigo Stadium has been a significant venue for various events in Maragua. Despite its poor state, it has hosted hundreds of political rallies, community meetings, ASK shows, and sporting events. The upgrades are set to restore the stadium to its former glory and enhance its capacity to serve the community.
The government's sports academy and stadium upgrade programme is part of a larger initiative to promote sports and youth development across the country. The programme is expected to provide opportunities for young athletes to hone their skills and represent Kenya in national and international competitions.
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