Vihiga County is poised for a new era in sports as plans for the Kidundu Stadium are officially moving forward. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that a modern 10,000-seater facility will soon be built and will host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations.
Mudavadi revealed that a major breakthrough was reached after local landowners agreed to release over 20 acres for the stadium, clearing the way for construction to begin in February.
The Kenya Defence Forces will oversee the building process, with completion expected in just four months.
“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.”
The Cabinet Secretary assured landowners that all procedures would follow proper legal channels and that fair compensation would be provided. “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 added.
Mudavadi also noted that the names of those who contributed land will be recognized in the stadium’s Hall of Honour after construction is complete.
He emphasized that Kidundu Stadium is part of several flagship projects under the Kenya Kwanza government, alongside initiatives such as the Mudasa Affordable Housing Project, new hostels, the Kenya School of Government, modern markets including one in Mbale town, and the construction of numerous roads across Vihiga County.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in a meeting with local landowners around the earmarked stadium site.PHOTO/PCSCSDuncan Kagesa, chairman of the Kidundu Landowners, expressed gratitude to the government for resolving concerns around compensation. “Mudavadi has addressed our issues. Construction will begin within the next month, and we welcome it,” he 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 explained.
Governor Wilber Ottichilo thanked both the President and Mudavadi for their efforts in finalizing the land arrangements. “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 vital contribution to the county’s development. “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 added that the stadium represents a step forward in the county’s and nation’s development. “Kidundu Stadium is now real. This is part of our nation’s journey towards becoming a first-world country,” she said.
