Nyeri’s Ksh900 Million Ruring’u Stadium Hits 70% Completion [Photos]

Nyeri’s Ksh900 Million Ruring’u Stadium has reached 70 per cent completion as the government continues with the construction and upgrading of sports infrastructure across the country.

In an update on Thursday, October 1, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the Ruring’u Stadium project was part of a wider national programme involving the construction of 32 other stadiums.

"Rùrìng'ù is just one of the 32 other such stadiums being built across Kenya to supplement Nairobi’s Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums as well as the iconic Talanta Sports City," he wrote.

Kindiki said he had inspected the ongoing works at Ruring’u Stadium, noting that the project had reached significant progress as the government pursued a major upgrade of the country’s sports infrastructure.

"This is the most ambitious sports infrastructure upgrade since Kenya came to be. I have inspected the works at Rùrìng'ù, now 70% complete," he added.

Kindiki also inspected the construction of the Asian Quarters Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) Market in Nyeri County, which is among several market facilities being developed to support traders and improve local trading infrastructure.

"Also inspected works on the construction of Asian Quarters ESP Market, one of the 13 such facilities at various stages of construction in Nyeri County," he further said.

Kindiki said another market project, the Nyeri Modern Market, was being constructed near the stadium at a cost of Ksh324 million and would provide space for hundreds of traders. 

He also noted that the Field Marshall Muthoni ESP Market had been completed and was ready for handover.

"The Nyeri Modern Market nearby is being built at a cost of Ksh324 milllion shillings to host 750 traders and the now complete Field Marshall Muthoni ESP market is ready for handover to host 300 traders," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the government has unveiled plans to redevelop the Sio Port Pier in Busia County as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure and promote economic activity around the Lake Victoria Basin.

In an update, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the project formed part of the government’s Blue Economy agenda which seeks to harness water-based economic opportunities.

"Through its Blue Economy agenda under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the Government is investing in infrastructure to turn this potential into productive economic activity," he wrote.

Omollo said the redevelopment would strengthen the role of Sio Port Pier as an important facility for commerce and connectivity in the region.

"The redevelopment of Sio Port Pier in Busia County is part of this effort, positioning the lakeside facility as a stronger gateway for commerce and connectivity," he added.

Omollo said the redevelopment will introduce several facilities aimed at improving operations at the port, including infrastructure for cargo handling, passenger services, navigation and agencies involved in trade and border operations.

"The project includes a modern pier and jetty, strengthened waterfront, improved navigation channels, cargo handling and storage facilities, a passenger waiting area and offices for agencies supporting trade and border operations," he further said.

According to Omollo, the project will also have separate berthing areas for small boats and commercial vessels. 

The arrangement is expected to improve safety and efficiency for different categories of vessels operating on the water.

Omollo said the project was being implemented by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), with construction being undertaken by Kenya Shipyards Limited.

"Implemented by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and constructed by Kenya Shipyards Limited, the development will support inland water transport, cross-border trade and new livelihoods around the Lake Victoria Basin," he concluded.