The National Government and the County Government of Kitui have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to upgrade Ithookwe Stadium at a cost of KSh 800 million ahead of the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The agreement was sealed today at Ithookwe grounds by Kitui Governor H.E. Dr. Julius Malombe, EGH, and Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, H.E. Salim Mvurya. The MoU outlines collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports—through Sports Kenya—and the County Government of Kitui in the construction, management, and long-term maintenance of the stadium.
The upgraded 10,000-seater stadium will feature a modern VIP pavilion, two VIP lounges, FIFA-compliant offices, an athletics track, and a standard football pitch, positioning it as one of the premier sports facilities in the region.
CS Mvurya, who toured the site alongside a high-level delegation from Sports Kenya and county officials, emphasized the strategic importance of Kitui as a host county. “The terrain here is ideal for construction, and we are confident the project will progress smoothly and be completed in time for Mashujaa Day,” he said.
Governor Malombe expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for selecting Kitui to host the national event. “We thank the President for his trust and assure him of our full commitment to delivering a successful Mashujaa Day,” he said.
The partnership highlights the spirit of intergovernmental collaboration as outlined in Article 6(2) of the Constitution of Kenya. Governor Malombe is leveraging such partnerships to attract more national government projects to Kitui, including the completion of Umaa and Thwake Dams, the Kwa Siku–Mbondoni Road, and eight police stations nearing operationalization.
Also present during the inspection were Sports Kenya Acting Director General Mr. Gabriel Komora, AD Julius Mbii, and senior county officials including CECMs Fredrik Kimanga, Gitonga Nkunda, Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele, John Mwendandu, Mwikya Kilonzo, Phoebe Mutemi, Eng. Mulwa Itiko, and Chief Officers Gladys Kivoto and Nason Kang’alya. The County Security Team was led by County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto.
With construction expected to begin following the tendering process next week, Ithookwe Stadium is set to become a centerpiece of pride and progress for Kitui County.
Delivering the Kitui County Promise.
