NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 31 – Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has announced that the long-awaited Kidundu Stadium in Vihiga County will become a reality, with a new 10,000-seater facility set to host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with local landowners around the earmarked stadium site, Mudavadi said a breakthrough had been reached after owners agreed to release over 20 acres of land to facilitate construction, which is set to begin in February.
“Those who began the journey to have a stadium in Kidundu are no longer with us, but their hope and aspirations are finally coming true,” Mudavadi said.
“This will stop being a dream and become a reality. President Ruto had declared that he was keen to ensure Kidundu becomes a reality, and now we are here to make it a dream come true.”
Mudavadi assured the landowners that due process would be followed and all affected households would receive fair compensation.
“The intention of the government is to ensure every landowner is left in a comfortable place once they relinquish their land. Their contribution will not be forgotten,” he said.
Mudavadi added that that the names of contributing landowners will be enshrined in the stadium’s Hall of Honour once construction is completed.
Under the instructions of President William Ruto, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will commence construction in February, with completion expected within four months.
Once finished, Mudavadi said, Kidundu Stadium will put Vihiga on the national sports map, offering a platform for local talent while instilling pride in the county’s residents.
“Kidundu Stadium is one of several flagship projects being implemented by the Kenya Kwanza government, alongside the Mudasa Affordable Housing Project, new hostels, the Kenya School of Government, modern markets including one in Mbale town, and several kilometres of roads across Vihiga County,” he noted.
Chairman of the Kidundu Landowners, Duncan Kagesa, expressed gratitude to the government for resolving the concerns of affected households.
“Mudavadi has addressed our issues. Construction will begin within the next month, and we welcome it,” Kagesa said.
The landowners confirmed that agreements were reached on a willing buyer–willing seller basis. “We are comfortable with the terms offered. For us, it’s not about the money, it’s about the greater good,” they said.
Governor Wilber Ottichilo praised the efforts of President Ruto and Mudavadi, saying they had borne fruit. “We are now ready to welcome the construction teams to start work as soon as this coming week,” he said.
Vihiga MP Ernest Ogesi described the landowners’ consent as a sacrifice for the county’s future. “We have had serious engagement with the landowners, and what they have done is a great contribution,” he said.
Vihiga County Women Representative Beatrice Adagala said the stadium was part of a broader vision for development. “Kidundu Stadium is now real. This is part of our nation’s journey towards becoming a first-world country,” she said.
