The decision to relocate the construction of the proposed Gakoigo Stadium from the historic Gakoigo grounds to Samar in Maragua Constituency, was driven by technical and space limitations, with the government opting for a new site capable of accommodating a modern 10,000-seater facility built to international standards.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Gakoigo Stadium project is among the latest government investments aimed at transforming sports infrastructure in Murang’a County, while preserving the sporting heritage of the area.The historic Gakoigo grounds have served the community since the pre-independence era, initially functioning as Murang’a Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) showgrounds, before evolving into a public recreation and sporting space.##NAJAVA_MECA_9889542##However, a technical assessment by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports established that the original grounds were too constrained, and faced terrain challenges that made it difficult to develop the planned world-class stadium on the site.The government therefore opted for a dual-facility approach, relocating the main stadium to Samar, while retaining the historic grounds for grassroots sporting activities.The decision was subsequently endorsed through consultations involving the Murang’a County Government, National Land Commission, residents and affected landowners.FEASSA: Justus Mugisha officially opens 2026 Games in MorogoroThe relocation also helped avert complications surrounding the acquisition of additional land at Gakoigo, where more than 25 families were reportedly at risk of displacement.At Samar, construction is planned around a 10,000-capacity international-standard stadium featuring a full-size football pitch, eight-lane athletics track, modern changing rooms, VVIP facilities and parking spaces.©Raymond OmolloBeyond sport, the facility is being conceived as an integrated innovation and enterprise hub. It will incorporate film and music studios, ICT facilities and commercial spaces, creating a platform where sport, creativity, technology and business can converge.Meanwhile, the original Gakoigo grounds will be rehabilitated into a training centre and venue for grassroots and mid-level competitions, ensuring the historic site retains its sporting significance.FEASSSA 2026: Morogoro edition set to usher in new era for East African school sportThe project forms part of a wider push to expand and modernise Kenya's sports infrastructure. Other major stadium projects and upgrades underway, include the 60,000 seater Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi, Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, as well as ongoing works at Kamariny Stadium in Iten.Other major stadium projects across the country include the 10,000-capacity Migori Stadium, Thika Stadium, Mandera Stadium and Murang'a Stadium, all part of the government's broader investment in sports infrastructure.Government issues update on construction of new stadium in Murang'a [PHOTOS]The 14,000-capacity Gusii Stadium in Kisii and Kericho Stadium are also among the facilities being developed or upgraded as the country continues to expand its network of modern sporting venues.The government has also been undertaking upgrades at Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadiums as part of preparations for AFCON 2027.##NAJAVA_MECA_9889481##With the Samar site offering the space and terrain required for the planned development, Gakoigo Stadium is expected to add another significant venue to Kenya's growing sports infrastructure network, while the rehabilitation of the historic grounds will ensure the community's long-standing connection with the site is not lost.
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