Thika Stadium Project at 10% Completion; All Eyes on Hosting AFCON and National Celebrations

Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a has expressed optimism over the progress of the ongoing construction of the new Thika Stadium, saying the facility could position the town to host major national celebrations and international sporting events once completed.

Speaking during an inspection visit to the project site, Ng’ang’a revealed that the stadium, whose construction was promised by President William Ruto about a year ago, has already reached approximately 10 per cent completion.

“About a year ago, the President promised to upgrade this stadium into an international-standard facility with a capacity of 10,000 people. This is a National Government project and I have been informed that at this stage, where the foundation and columns are being constructed, the project is about 10 per cent complete,” she said.

The MP further disclosed that contractors expect the project to reach 30 per cent completion by the end of July, with roofing works likely to begin around October or November if progress continues as planned.

“I have been informed that by the end of July the project will be at 30 per cent completion. From there, I believe that by October or November, roofing works will be underway,” she said.

Ng’ang’a urged the contractors to maintain the pace and quality of work, noting that the stadium has the potential to transform Thika into a major destination for sports, business and investment.

The MP said she envisions a future where Thika hosts one of Kenya’s major national celebrations, similar to this year's Madaraka Day festivities held in Wajir County. According to Ng’ang’a, hosting a national event of that magnitude would attract local and international investors, boosting the local economy and creating opportunities for businesses.

“If such a celebration were held here, it would attract many investors from outside the county and we would all benefit greatly,” she added.

Ng’ang’a noted that hosting a national celebration would likely accelerate infrastructure development in the area.

“Because the military is usually involved in such celebrations, you can be sure that roads and other infrastructure would be improved. The President cannot come for a national celebration when roads are in poor condition,” she remarked.

The MP also expressed hope that the stadium would be completed in time to position Thika as a venue for future continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya is set to co-host with Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

“Right now the World Cup is being played in America. When AFCON comes to Kenya, I would like our stadium to be in excellent condition. I want Thika Stadium to be among the best stadiums in Africa and to be considered as one of the venues for the tournament,” she said.

She added that hosting international sporting events would significantly boost business activity and attract investments to Thika and its surrounding areas.

During the groundbreaking ceremony for the modern stadium in February this year, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya announced that the project would be fully funded by the National Government at a cost of KSh. 850 million.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were contracted to undertake the technical works and construction on behalf of the Ministry of Sports. Once complete, the stadium will have a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators and will be built to international standards, enabling it to host international football matches and other major sporting events.

“I came here today because I wanted to see the progress for myself after receiving a report last week. I am happy and proud of the work being done, and I will report back that the project is progressing well,” said the Thika legislator.

She concluded by calling on residents to support the project and pray that Thika secures one of the country’s major national celebrations in the near future, saying the stadium has the potential to become a landmark facility for both sports and economic development.