Kiambu County Department of Youth and Sports has been constructing new stadiums and renovating others to promote a vibrant sporting culture.
Thigio Stadium in Ndeiya sub-county is one of seven stadiums that are currently under renovation with the others being Thika Stadium, Githunguri Stadium, Kanjiru Stadium, Ruiru Stadium, and Karangari Stadium.
Kiambu County set aside funds amounting to Sh457 million for the renovation and upgrading of the seven stadiums which are expected to be completed before the end of the year.
“The county government has allocated funds for the renovation and the upgrade of these stadiums. For instance, Sh200 million has been allocated to Thika Stadium, Sh180 million to Kanjiru, Sh30 million to Ruiru, Sh26 million to Githunguri, and Sh21 million to Karangai” said Kiambu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Ali Osman.
Osman added that the project targets to improve sports infrastructure in the county and also promote a sporting culture among the youths to avoid vices like alcoholism and crime.
“Most of the stadiums under construction are currently at 30 percent or 50 percent to completion but some like Thigio stadium, which is currently at the leveling and compaction stage before the installation of the artificial turf is at 90 percent,” said the sports CECM.
He further noted that in two to three weeks the only modernized sports stadium in Ndeyia will be ready for launching.
“The stadium is fitted with six grounds including a football pitch, a basketball pitch, a volleyball pitch, a table tennis room, a swimming pool and running tracks around it,” Osman stated.
Simon Njenga, a football player in Ndeiya sub-county, expressed his appreciation for the construction of Thigio Stadium, stating that the stadium will enhance their training due to all the amenities provided in the stadium hence their excitemnet about the future.
“The stadium will not only help us better our skills but also encourage even more talented young people to come out and showcase their talents and it will also create job opportunities for local businesses,” said Njenga.
The CECM noted that the stadium will be ready for use by March this year.
By Natasha Lelenguya