This weekend the facility received a boost of an additional 2500 seats from Moi Sports Complex, Kasarani for the western terraces. The main pavilion is done and dusted with an enticing blue sheen of modern upholstered chairs reminiscent of the Etihad Stadium in the United Kingdom.
Following seven years of meticulous planning and sacrificing during budget cuts, Siaya now boasts one of the ultramodern sports complexes in Eastern Africa. No wonder the facility has been hailed as a beacon of sports transformation in Nyanza.
According to the Director Sports and Arts, Dr. David Sanmac Okoth the stadium will have a sitting capacity of 60,000 when the second roofing phase is complete. The stadium is also expected to host modern cafeteria, boutiques, netball and volleyball courts as well as conference amenities in the basement area.
The development of the stadium is part of a broader initiative by the County Government of Siaya to improve sports infrastructure. From August 2022, this project has been fast-tracked under the guidance of Siaya Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo from 70% completion of phase one to the luminous structure sitting at the heart of Siaya town today.
The stadium is hailed as a marvel of architecture as it has one of the few state-of-the-art tartan rubber tracks on waterproof concrete base that enables sporting activities to continue overnight once the high-mast lighting is in place.
ADVERTISEMENTGovernor James Aggrey Bob Orengo being a global figure in politics and jurisprudence has a blueprint for transforming Siaya County with landmark projects meeting international standards such as the Siriwo Rice Mill in Alego-Usonga and the Madiany Cotton Ginnery in Rarieda.
The Siaya County Stadium which is yet to be christened with a name will officially be opened by President Dr William Samoei Ruto on 2nd January, 2025. Apart from other dignitaries and leading sporting personalities former Premier Raila Amollo Odinga will also grace the occasion.
In the inaugural match, the indomitable Gor Mahia football club will square it out with stubborn Kitara FC from Uganda. Unlike Villa, Cranes and Kampala City Council, Kitara FC is not well-known outside Uganda, however, it is the team that is currently giving nightmare to Ugandan sporting giants.
Top: legendary Gor Mahia FC and bottom Kitara FC who were elevated to the Premier League in 2019 and in 2023 lifted the Ugandan big league cup.
The inauguration of the stadium will be the culmination of a series of events beginning with the Piny Luo Cultural Festival to be held in Migwena from 30th December, 2024.
The Directorate of Public Communication in the Siaya County Government has been at the forefront of promoting the events as part and parcel of highlighting the fulfilment of Governor James Aggrey Bob Orengo’s Nyalore manifesto.
Top: Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and bottom the Siaya County stadium with work still in progress.
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