The Ksh. 55 Million Kimuchu Sports Academy Nears Completion, Leaders Hail Project's Transformative Impact

The construction of the Ksh. 55 million Kimuchu Sports Academy in Kamenu Ward, Thika Town Constituency, is nearing completion, with the contractor confirming that the facility is expected to be completed and handed over within the next three weeks.

The academy, located at Kimuchu Comprehensive School grounds in Kiganjo area, is among 37 Talent Development Academies being constructed under Phase I of the Government's nationwide sports infrastructure programme aimed at identifying, nurturing and developing young sporting talent in schools and other learning institutions across the country.

Speaking during an inspection of the project, the contractor, Mr. Musa said the bulk of the construction work has already been completed, with only finishing works remaining.

"We are now in the final stages of construction. What remains is mainly painting, tiling and other finishing works. The playing field is complete, grass has already been planted, stone pitching has been done and red soil has been spread. We expect to complete and hand over the project within the next three weeks," he said.

The contractor said the facility already has terraces, separate changing rooms for home and away teams, classrooms, showers and storage rooms.

Once complete, the academy will boast a standard football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, volleyball, netball and basketball courts, a swimming pool, a borehole, modern changing rooms and other essential amenities designed to support sports development and talent nurturing.

During a comprehensive inspection of the project, Thika Town MP Alice Ng'ang'a expressed satisfaction with the progress, saying the academy is about 90 per cent complete and commending the contractor for the quality of workmanship.

"I am impressed by both the quality of work and the progress made so far. This academy will create opportunities for our young people to discover and nurture their talents while opening pathways to professional sports," she said.

The MP also expressed hope that the facility would be ready to complement Thika Stadium as Kenya prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"Naomba Mungu ifikapo wakati AFCON itakapochezewa Kenya mwaka ujao, viwanja vyetu vya Thika viwe vimekamilika ili Thika Stadium pamoja na Kimuchu Sports Academy viweze kuandaa baadhi ya mechi hapa Thika," she said.

Ngoliba Ward MCA Joakim Njama said the academy would not only transform sports but also stimulate economic growth in the area by attracting visitors from different parts of the country.

"Hii stadium ikikamilika haitawanufaisha tu wakazi wa Kiganjo. Italeta watu kutoka sehemu mbalimbali za nchi, jambo ambalo litachochea uchumi wa eneo hili. Maduka, hoteli, mama mboga na wafanyabiashara wengine wote watanufaika," he said.

Njama added that the academy would provide young people with constructive opportunities, helping keep them away from drug and substance abuse while enabling talented athletes to earn a living through sports.

"Stadium hii itaweka vijana wetu busy, kuwaepusha na matumizi ya mihadarati na pombe. Wachezaji na wanariadha pia watapata nafasi ya kujipatia kipato kupitia michezo," he added.

Leaders said the academy has the potential to significantly transform the sporting landscape in Thika and the wider Kiambu County by accelerating talent identification, nurturing young athletes and creating pathways to sporting excellence.

Once operational, the facility is expected to provide a world-class environment for training and competition while serving as a hub for discovering and developing the next generation of footballers, athletes and other sports personalities capable of representing Kenya at regional, continental and international competitions.

With the major infrastructure already in place, the final phase of construction will involve painting, tiling, pitch marking, installation of the remaining sports facilities and other finishing works before the academy is officially handed over for public use.