Bukhungu glitters, but its just a tip of the iceberg

By the year 2020, the Bukhungu Stadium will meet the international benchmarks, the Kakamega County Government has said.

According to the County’s executive for sports, Robert Sumbi, once renovation is complete; the facility will morph into into a ‘super structure’, and will attract a lot of competitions.

The stadium has been in the doldrums in the years gone by but is currently witnessing some transformation, thanks to the effort of the Kakamega County Government.

The stadium was officially re- opened on Tuesday after close to four years of repair, though work is still in progress.

“The stadium is now officially opened and will go on with the phase two and phase three of the renovations in the coming two years,”Sumbi said.

According to Sumbi, phase one of the stadium has already cost the county Sh 500 million, while the entire work including phases two and three is projected to cost Sh 2 billion.

And with the change in its face, the facility is already attracting lots of admirers, hosting some of this year’s Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup matches.

Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz  and National Super League champions Vihiga United, who have been promoted to the top-tier, have already earmarked the facility as their home ground ahead of the 2018 league season.

“The County Governor Wycliffe Oparanya has already announced that he will sponsor Kakamega Homeboyz, and so, it will automatically be using Bukhungu for all its home matches.

“Vihiga United FC have also asked us to allow them use the stadium for its home matches, meaning they will be sharing it; with one team using it on Saturday and the other on Sunday,”Sumbi explained.

After the completion of the VIP dias, changing rooms, and the VIP offices in  hase one, work will shift to  construction of a standard swimming pool, gymnasium, halls,  offices and terraces.