Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has ordered contractors to fast-track construction at the Sh6.6 billion Bukhungu International Stadium to ensure it meets completion deadlines ahead of the 2027 AFCON.

During a site inspection on Wednesday, Barasa confirmed that the flagship facility is slightly over 50 percent complete, urging political leaders to stop politicizing the joint county-national project.

The successful completion of Bukhungu is critical for Kenya's readiness to co-host the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania, promising massive economic and infrastructural dividends for the Western region.

A Race Against Time

The comprehensive upgrade of Bukhungu Stadium, a historic venue in Kakamega, requires an accelerated program to beat the December 2026 deadline. Governor Barasa has directed the contractor to increase the workforce on site and allow multiple construction activities to run simultaneously. The national government and the County Government of Kakamega have heavily invested in the facility, pouring billions into the sequential phases of the rehabilitation.

The first phase delivered offices, 200-capacity parking spaces, a modern VIP stand, doping control rooms, and changing facilities at a cost of KES 875 million. The current Phase Two involves the construction of versatile terraces encircling the stadium, a gym, and a dispensary, bringing the eventual capacity to an impressive 30,000 seats. Phase Three will handle the crucial safety installations, floodlights, pitch works, and access roads.

• Phase 1 completed at KES 875 million; subsequent phases utilized KES 475 million and KES 400 million.
• The stadium previously hosted the successful Cecafa Under-18 Championships.
• Kakamega County has allocated an additional KES 600 million this financial year to complement national funding.

Uniting for Development

Governor Barasa issued a stern warning against the politicization of the region's mega-projects. The stadium upgrade, initially stalled under the previous administration, is now moving forward through a collaborative effort spearheaded by President William Ruto and the Ministry of Sports. The national government has actively cleared pending bills to maintain project momentum.

The realization of the Bukhungu dream transcends football; it represents a monumental economic catalyst for Kakamega County. A modern 30,000-seater stadium complete with a high-quality tartan track will attract international track and field competitions, stimulate local hospitality sectors, and elevate Kakamega to a premier sports tourism destination in East Africa.

"This is a partnership project. We must unite on development and ensure we deliver a world-class facility capable of placing Kakamega on the global map."