Fans fume as public stays in the dark over Bukhungu Stadium

Kakamega County’s Bukhungu Stadium continues to stoke more controversy than it does progress two years on since its closure for upgrade.

A damaging collapse in early November last year and a probe that took a dramatic turn later, the stadium designed to enhance the region’s sporting talent has done nearly the exact opposite as two Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clubs scramble for alternative home grounds.

At a time when the country’s top stadiums – Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Center Kasarani – are being closed down for renovations ahead of the IAAF World Under 18 Championships in July, Bukhungu’s case worsens the scenario staring at the domestic league.

League giants AFC Leopards – who claim large support from the region – remain in limbo over their next home base while fellow top-flight clubs Kakamega Homeboyz and Western Stima have decamped to Mumias Sugar Sports Complex for refuge.

The situation has got local fans fuming with many more questioning the commitment of the County Government in pushing through the completion of the renovations.

“Whatever they are doing at the stadium we want it finalized by the end of this month. What we are witnessing is a government giving too much priority on roads at the expense of talent,” Emanuel Mitungu, a sports fanatic charged.

“We love football but since the governor came to power the stadium has been dormant as far as sport is concerned. When Homeboyz is playing we usually pay Ksh50 for a match but now that money is being channeled elsewhere,” another fan, Emanuel Osundwa who hails from Navakholo decried.

In response, County Labour Sports and Social Services Committee (LSSSC) member and MCA, Alfred Khamasi, told Citizen Digital the stadium’s collapse late last year had ‘messed projected timelines’ while assuring progress would be visible by May this year.

County Director of Communication Sumba Juma says the government is expected to hand over preparations to a County Sports Committee in the coming few weeks.

“The Very Important Persons (VIP) section, toilets, changing rooms and the stadium offices are some of the areas close to be completion.

“Over the first phase, we ensured the play ground has already been done and it is now ready for use,” Juma offered.

Terraces are yet to be set up for the Ksh1b project touted to become the best sporting facility within the Western region.

A probe into the stadium’s collapse is yet to see the light of day at the National Assembly but Khamasi pledged to engage his counterparts in the County Assembly to press for transparency over the issue.

“We were barred from carrying out the investigations with the Roads and Infrastructure Committee (RIC) handed the responsibility intsead. It’s a serious matter that has to be addressed,” he lamented.

Khamasi blamed the committee for sleeping on the job and while the LSSSC had prepared a report following an order from Parliament, the public remains in the dark over Bukhungu’s case.

Tags:

AFC Leopards nyayo national stadium Kakamega County Bukhungu Stadium Western Stima FC

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