- The ongoing Bukhungu Stadium upgrade is improving conditions for athletes and footballers in Kakamega.
- Residents believe the completed facility could attract major national and international sporting events.
- Coaches say better infrastructure will create a safer environment for developing football and athletics talent.
- The project is also expected to create jobs and boost businesses around the stadium.
The ongoing transformation of Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega is giving athletes, footballers and residents fresh hope about the future of sports in Western Kenya. The facility has been undergoing major improvements aimed at creating better conditions for training and competitions. Those using the stadium say some of the problems that previously affected sporting activities are already being addressed.
For athletes, one of the biggest improvements has been the running track and drainage. Kakamega resident Duncan Lando said the track used to become muddy whenever it rained, making training difficult. He noted that the improved drainage has made the facility more usable even during wet weather.
Lando believes the changes could eventually make Bukhungu an attractive destination for athletes and football teams from different parts of the country. He said completing the project would also create opportunities for businesses operating around the stadium. Food vendors and other traders could benefit when large sporting events bring more visitors to Kakamega.
Athlete Felisters Mukhule said the construction work has changed the perception of Bukhungu among sportspeople. She recalled that the stadium was previously in poor condition, with potholes and uneven areas affecting athletes. Rainy conditions could make the surface muddy and increase the chances of falls and injuries.
Mukhule said the improvements have already started restoring confidence among footballers and athletes using the facility. She also observed that teams from outside Kakamega have begun visiting and taking note of the changes. The athlete expects that more counties will send their teams to the stadium once the project is fully completed.
For athletes, having a proper facility is about more than appearance. A quality track allows them to train consistently, while suitable playing surfaces reduce unnecessary risks. Mukhule believes Bukhungu could eventually become a major training and competition centre for athletes from across Kenya.
The upgrade is also being viewed as an economic project rather than simply a sporting investment. Residents believe a completed Bukhungu Stadium could attract large crowds whenever major football and athletics events are held. Increased visitor numbers would create opportunities for traders, transport operators, accommodation providers and other local businesses.
Luke, one of the residents following the project, said the stadium could generate employment, particularly for young people. He believes hosting international events would increase economic activity across Kakamega County. The improved facility could also create more opportunities for businesses that depend on sports tourism.
The stadium’s planned improvements are expected to address some of the challenges that previously limited its ability to host major events. These include inadequate seating and limited facilities for spectators, players and match officials. Better infrastructure could therefore improve the experience for everyone using the venue.
Football coaches in the region have also welcomed the changes. Gilbert Coach recalled that Mumias once had some of the best football pitches in the area, but the decline of sporting facilities affected the development of players. As quality grounds became harder to find, many teams were forced to use open fields.
That situation created problems for both players and spectators. Poor playing surfaces can increase injury risks, while open grounds make it harder to control crowds during competitive matches. Coaches also face difficulties when scouts are unable to access properly organised competitions where young players can showcase their abilities.
The Bukhungu upgrade could help reverse that situation. A modern stadium can provide a central venue where teams compete regularly and young players receive greater exposure. Better facilities can also give coaches the environment they need to identify and develop emerging talent.
Athletics coach Frank Omondi, a Kenya Prisons officer, said he has witnessed significant changes at Bukhungu since 2015. He recalled a time when the grounds had trees and potholes and lacked many of the facilities expected at a modern sporting venue. The changes over the years have gradually improved its ability to support different sporting activities.
Omondi said the stadium now provides a better environment for athletics and football training. Athletes can spend more time working on their skills, while coaches have improved conditions for developing talent. The facility’s multi-purpose nature also means several sporting disciplines can benefit from the investment.
The coaches believe the project has helped restore pride in Western Kenya’s sporting potential. A properly developed stadium can give the region a venue capable of hosting high-level competitions. It can also provide athletes with a platform to compete before local and national audiences.
While there is excitement about the improvements, residents and athletes are calling for the construction to be completed without unnecessary delays. Lando said faster completion would allow the facility to operate at its full potential. He believes Kakamega should not have to wait too long to benefit from the investment.
The expectations surrounding Bukhungu are high. Residents want a stadium that can host major football matches, athletics competitions and international sporting events. They also see the project as an opportunity to create jobs and attract visitors who will spend money within the local economy.
If the remaining work is completed to the expected standards, Bukhungu could become one of the key sporting venues in Western Kenya. Its impact would extend beyond the pitch by supporting athletes, football clubs, coaches, traders and the wider hospitality sector. For Kakamega, the stadium represents both a sporting facility and a potential engine for economic growth.
