Thika is waking up to a new rhythm. Where cracked terraces and faded paint once marked the town’s sporting heart, a sleek, modern arena is now taking shape — a 10,000-seat stadium that promises to transform the local skyline and serve as a potential training venue for AFCON 2027.
Groundbreaking and a Fast Timeline
At a high-energy ceremony, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya cut the ribbon on construction and set an ambitious clock: the stadium is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project carries a price tag of Sh850 million, and builders have moved quickly to replace the old municipal ground with a facility built for the future.
What the New Stadium Will Offer
This is more than a facelift. The Thika Stadium is being designed to meet modern sporting standards and community needs. Key features include:
• Standard football pitch built to host competitive matches and training sessions.
• Eight-lane running track for athletics and school competitions.
• Changing rooms and a canopy to shelter fans from the sun and rain.
• VVIP pavilion for dignitaries and special guests.
These upgrades will replace the dilapidated Thika Municipal Stadium and provide a professional environment for clubs and athletes.
Reassuring the Community
Early fears among local traders about displacement were met head-on. Mvurya reassured residents that businesses will not be disrupted and livelihoods will be protected as construction proceeds. Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya added that existing amenities such as the basketball court and swimming pool will be preserved, ensuring the complex remains a hub for diverse sports.
A Catalyst for Local Sport and Economy
Thika’s football scene, home to clubs like Thika Homeboyz, TCM FC, and Kabati Youth, stands to gain a major boost. The new stadium is expected to attract bigger events, draw visiting teams for training, and stimulate local commerce — from food vendors to hospitality services — turning match days into economic opportunities.
A Vision for the Future
More than concrete and seats, the Thika Stadium is a statement: Kenya is investing in grassroots talent and regional sporting infrastructure ahead of a continental showcase. When AFCON 2027 arrives, Thika could find itself centre stage, its refurbished arena echoing with cheers and the sound of a town reborn through sport.
