Race against time as 10,000-seater Wajir Stadium enters final stretch

Construction work at the new Wajir Stadium has reached a critical phase, with teams on site working to deliver the first-ever international-standard sports facility in the North Eastern region. The project, which is being supervised by the Kenya Defence Forces, was commissioned following a directive by President Ruto to decentralize national holiday celebrations.

Government records indicate that the project carries a budget of approximately Sh900 million. The facility is designed to accommodate 10,000 spectators and will feature a football pitch, an eight-lane athletics track, and VIP lounges. These amenities are intended to support local talent and position the county as a destination for regional sporting events.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo recently noted that while early stages faced initial hurdles, the momentum has increased significantly. The government has implemented a multi-agency approach to ensure the stadium is ready before the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2026. This marks a significant shift in infrastructure investment for a region that has historically lacked such facilities.

Engineers at the site have confirmed that a 220 KV generator has been deployed to facilitate night works, ensuring that the project remains on schedule despite power challenges. The installation of a dedicated Kenya Power transformer is also expected to stabilize the site's energy needs. This 24-hour work cycle is necessary to achieve substantial completion by the first week of May.

Beyond the sporting stands, the project includes the construction of changing rooms, sanitation blocks, and a secure perimeter wall. To handle the expected influx of visitors for the national event, the government is also upgrading the supporting infrastructure. These works include the expansion of the Wajir International Airport and the rehabilitation of access roads leading to the stadium.

Local officials emphasize that the stadium is not just a venue for a single event but a long-term investment. At the peak of construction, the site provided employment to nearly 1,000 workers. Once operational, the facility will serve athletes in football, rugby, and volleyball, while providing the county with its first major public gathering space of this scale.

President Ruto has maintained that the delivery of this project is part of a broader agenda for equitable growth. The successful completion of the stadium is expected to stimulate the local economy in Wajir town and provide a platform for youth engagement through sports.