Nairobi county government to build four new state-of-the-art stadiums
Plans are in place to build four new state-of-the-art stadiums in Nairobi County to address the need for more sports and recreational facilities for the youth in the county.
Nairobi County executive in charge of Education and Sports Janet Ouko said the new stadiums will be built as per Fifa standards and will be located in Dandora, Jacaranda grounds, Kariokor and Kihumbini.
Already, the contractors have moved into the site where the first stadium will be put up in Dandora.
“We all expect to see a 120 metres by 50 metres, with ample sitting spaces capable of accommodating thousands of people,” said Ms Ouko.
She said that the county government will use its resources to construct the stadiums which will also have amenities such as modern changing rooms, referee rooms and restaurants.
Dandora MCA Charles Thuo and his counterpart from Donholm Elija Stazo welcomed the new projects saying the youth can now develop their talents.
NURTURE TALENT
“This is not only a project for Nairobi residents, but the country at large. It is a project that will benefit all the Kenyan youth and the generations to come,” said Thuo.
Stazo, who is also the national deputy secretary general of AFC Leopards, said commended the Nairobi county government for the laudable projects.
“Governor (Mike) Sonko is now in the process of starting a tournament for the youth to keep them busy and build their talents. We need to nurture the talent of our young people,” he said.
Last month, Governor Sonko advertised for bids for the construction of the new grounds.
According to the bid documents, the contractor who has been awarded the tenders to build the stadiums will have to ensure they have chain-link fence, gates painted with county colour logo, plastic stadium seats which have full back-rest and water drainage holes.
STADIUM FACILITIES
The contractor will also have to put the approved artificial turf like astro turf, complete with anti-shock underlay and put up substitutes’ benches with an overhead sunshade.
The new stadiums are expected to have 24-hour security surveillance, meaning that the contractor will also have to ensure they are fitted with CCTV cameras.
They will also have functional public address systems and two floodlights mast each comprising of six lights for night matches.
In February, after meeting investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Governor Sonko said they intend to put up football, basketball, cricket stadiums and public swimming pools in at least in each of Nairobi’s 17 constituencies.
City Hall said the aim of the project is to help nurture talent and also keep the youth busy through sports.
“Most of our youth are so talented, but due to lack of places to nurture their talents, they end up indulging in criminal activities,” said Sonko.