Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has proposed renaming the Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu to “Freedom Stadium” once the ongoing renovations are completed. During an inspection tour, Murkomen highlighted the historical significance of the stadium, noting that it was where Kenya’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, delivered his final public speech before being imprisoned.
“The stadium holds immense historical value because it is where Mzee Kenyatta gave his last address before his detention. It is therefore fitting to rename it in a way that honors his legacy,” Murkomen remarked.
He further emphasized that the process of renaming the stadium would involve public participation to gather opinions from the local community and stakeholders.
“If we proceed with this, we envision the stadium becoming a place where young athletes can unlock their potential and pursue their dreams, fostering a new generation of sportsmen and women,” Murkomen stated during his visit.
Kirigiti Stadium, located in Kiambu County, is undergoing major renovations aimed at enhancing Kenya’s sports infrastructure. Upon completion, the facility is expected to help ease the pressure on Nairobi’s main stadiums by offering an alternative venue for sports activities.
Murkomen expressed optimism that the stadium would soon be ready to host local and national teams, noting that it is already 90% complete. He added that its proximity to Nairobi would provide a convenient alternative for clubs, reducing travel burdens for teams based in the capital.
“This state-of-the-art stadium will serve as a top-tier facility, and we look forward to seeing it fully operational. It will offer local teams, as well as premier clubs, an excellent venue to showcase their talents,” he said.
Murkomen also addressed the delays in completing the project, attributing the stall in construction to funding challenges. However, he assured that significant progress had already been made and expressed confidence that the stadium would soon be finished.
By Newshub