By Duncan Ojijo
Governor Kimani Wamatangi has been committed to empowering the youth and harnessing talent
through sports, fulfilling the pledge he made in his election manifesto.

He has placed special emphasis on both talent development and infrastructural improvements in sporting facilities.
Given that the youth form the majority of Kiambu’s population, Governor Wamatangi has made it a priority to focus on this segment of society.

The Department of Youth Affairs and Sports has actively engaged in programs aimed at empowering young people and nurturing their talents.
In a bid to boost the sports sector and provide state-of-the-art facilities for athletes, the County, has embarked on an extensive mission to revamp sports facilities to international standards across the county.

This ambitious initiative aims to enhance the quality of sporting events by fostering a vibrant sporting culture within the community.
“We are committed to providing world-class facilities to nurture and empower our talented sportsmen and women in Kiambu County,” said Ali Osman, CEC Member for Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication.

“These upgrades have been tailor-made to benefit athletes while still providing
recreational spaces for the entire community.”
One of the flagship projects currently underway is the transformation of Kanjeru Stadium in Gitaru Ward. Upon completion, the stadium will boast two football fields – one dedicated for training and the main field equipped with a standard running track, spectator stands, two tennis courts, and a basketball court.

This multifaceted project has been designed to accommodate a diverse range of sporting
activities and cater to the needs of both athletes and spectators alike.
Similarly, Thika Stadium has undergone significant transformation. Closed to the public since January 2024 to expedite renovations, the stadium is receiving a two-phase upgrade.

Phase one focuses on  practical improvements, including completing the stalled spectator stands to increase seating capacity, leveling the pitch, and constructing 100 business stalls for local traders.

Phase two will introduce exciting new features like a modern athletics track, a swimming pool, a gymnasium, and an additional 200 stalls
around the stadium perimeter.
The initiative extends beyond major stadiums with Kagwe Stadium in Nyanduma ward, Lari Sub-county, currently undergoing leveling, compacting, and fencing works to improve its facilities. Similarly, Kirangari Polytechnic in Nyathuna ward is witnessing significant progress in its leveling and compacting endeavors, signaling a promising future for sports supporters in the area.
The Department has also already awarded tenders for upcoming upgrades at Ruiru Stadium, Gikambura Super 99 Grounds in Kikuyu, and Githunguri Stadium.
The Department hasn’t overlooked smaller fields either as several facilities have already been leveled and compacted, including Theta Ground in Juja Sub-county, Stage 46 Ground in Mwohoko- Ruiru Sub- county, SP Ground in Malaba Witeithie Ward- Juja Sub-county, Kamirithu Primary School Grounds in Ruiru Sub-county, Kiambu Primary and Kamunyonge Grounds in Kiambu Sub-county, and a volleyball court in Limuru Stadium among others.
This county-wide effort signifies a strong commitment to nurturing a vibrant sporting culture in Kiambu.
With these upgraded facilities, residents can expect a significant boost in athletic opportunities and community recreation.