President William Ruto Launches KSh 1 Billion Gusii Stadium Upgrade

President William Ruto arrived in Kisii County on Sunday to officially kick off a KSh 1 billion upgrade of Gusii Stadium. The ceremony marked the first day of a four-day development tour across the Gusii region, focusing on infrastructure and local economic growth.

The project involves a comprehensive facelift of the existing facility to meet international standards. Plans include the installation of a FIFA-standard football pitch and an eight-lane athletics track. The upgraded stadium is expected to accommodate 14,000 spectators upon its completion.

Government officials confirmed that the construction is scheduled for completion within nine months. During this period, the local Premier League club, Shabana FC, will be required to seek an alternative home ground for their matches.

To support the club during the transition, President Ruto pledged KSh 20 million to assist with logistics and temporary relocation costs. The President also presented the team with a new bus, a move aimed at easing the financial burden on the Kisii-based side while their primary facility remains a construction site.

Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, who accompanied the President, noted that the groundbreaking is part of a broader national program. The administration intends to deliver 25 new facilities and upgrade existing ones across the country to support talent development.

The Gusii Stadium works are integrated into a larger regional itinerary. Over the next three days, the executive team is expected to inspect the Kisii Cancer Centre, commission various road projects, and break ground for the Suneka Airstrip.

The regional tour also covers Nyamira County, where projects such as the Nyamira University tuition block and various market installations are scheduled for review. Local leaders highlighted that these infrastructure investments are intended to improve connectivity and public service delivery in the region.

The stadium project aligns with recent government efforts to refurbish major sporting venues like Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani. By upgrading regional hubs like Gusii, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports aims to decentralize high-level sporting events.

Contractors are expected to mobilize equipment immediately to meet the tight April 2027 completion target. The site remained active following the ceremony as preliminary earthworks began under the supervision of the national government's technical teams.