Court case skittles Kinoru Stadium renovation works

A court injunction has delayed the speedy completion of Meru County’s Kinoru Stadium with the project now expected to be completed early next year.

County Governor Peter Munya announced a contractor who was renovating the field had sued his administration leading to cessation of refurbishment works with the leader confident it will be done in time to host 2018 Africa Home Nations Championships (CHAN) matches.

“We are doing the final arrangements to ensure the stadium will be completed soon. We had a slight hiccup with the contractor who took us to court and I believe the court will sort out the matter as soon as possible.

“We have already issued out the tenders to various contractors’ so that the work can be done fast. I’m hopeful that in the next two months phase one and two will be completed and have a filed that international matches can be played on. I urge Meru residents to be patient with us,” the County boss stated.

“We have budgeted for the completion of the field. Our plan was to complete the pitch and open it but when CAF approached us, we found it wise to complete necessary facilities before opening it,” Munya added.

The Governor declared that several contractors have been awarded tenders to give the chosen home of Kenyan Premier League side and table-toppers Tusker FC a face lift for the next three months.

New Space Creators Limited who had been contracted to renovate the field were expected to complete the renovations in a period of one year and eight months.

However, the County Government terminated their contract prompting the company to take them to court where they filed an application to stop any other contractor from being awarded the tender.

The Stadium whose pitch is ready for use is among those proposed to host 2018 CHAN games by Football Kenya Federation if it meets the required standards with phase one of the project comprising a standard pitch, a race track and 20,000-capacity sitting terraces.

Phase two is supposed to include recreation facilities, shopping stalls, restaurants, a police station and roofing.

Other stadium set for facelifts include Nkubu in  Imenti South, Timau in  Buuri, Nguthiru in Tigania East,  Mailitatu and Maua stadiums in Igembe.