Governor Sakaja reveals plans for major refurbishment of ruined City Stadium
Nairobi City Stadium, which has since been renamed the Joe Kadenge Stadium, will soon be upgraded to international standards.
Plans for the refurbishment of the city’s oldest stadium were revealed by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja when he presided over the Madaraka Day celebrations at the facility which has not been use in recent years.
“This will be the last day you will see the stadium in this state. We’ve allocated Sh520 million in our budget to start the facelift of the international stadium for all disciplines,” Sakaja said, adding that at the completion of the renovations, the stadium will be fit to host international matches.
The governor also said other playing grounds within the city will be similarly renovated.
At the same time ,Sakaja said his administration will work closely with the county’s elected leaders to build more schools and classrooms to address the challenges faced by residents.
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However, the governor avoided talking about national issues, including the 2023 Finance Bill, and instead highlighted the achievements of his administration since he took office.
The governor also said his team is planning to recruit more than 2,000 nurses and doctors to boost healthcare services in the county.
He also said next month he will launch the second intensive care unit at Mbagathi Hospital, following the successful launch of the unit at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
A number of elected leaders attended the celebrations where politics took center stage with Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition leaders vowing to shoot down the Finance Bill, 2023.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna sharply criticised the government for making life unbearable for Kenyans, many of whom can no longer afford basic needs.
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Mr Sifuna urged Governor Sakaja to consider employing youth in ongoing projects in the county.
The senator also asked the governor to consider the situation of some 700 former law enforcement officers during the administration of the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
“You have announced that you are going to recruit a thousand inspectorate officers. With all due respect, consider allowing the former NMS enforcement officers to come back,” Sifuna said.
He said most of the calls he receives from residents are about the unbearable cost of living, as some tenants decide to move out quietly at night because they cannot afford to pay rent.
“Our young people sleep in video rooms because they don’t have money to pay rent. Maize flour is now unaffordable,” said Sakaja.
The event was attended by Embakasi West MP Mark Muriithi Mwenje, Makadara MP George Aladwa and a number of Nairobi MCAs.
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