By Carolyne Atieno
The long-awaited Riruta Stadium project is finally set to move forward after the Nairobi City County Government allocated KSh 250 million for its construction. The project, which residents of Dagoretti South have anticipated for years, is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete once work begins. However, the official kickoff depends on the completion of the Dandora Stadium project, which currently takes priority in the county’s infrastructure plan.
Nairobi County Deputy Director of Sports, Hari Mwahari, confirmed that construction at the Riruta facility will commence as soon as Dandora Stadium is handed over.
According to Mwahari, the KSh 250 million allocation will fully fund the development. He noted that any potential delays beyond the projected 18-month timeline could stem from annual budgetary realignments or delays in importing specialized construction materials.
“The exact dates for the commencement of construction will be communicated after an internal meeting with key project stakeholders,” Mwahari stated.
Project Features and Capacity
The primary phase of the project includes a standard artificial turf football pitch, advanced drainage systems to prevent the historical flooding on the grounds, and modern player dressing rooms. Once complete, the stadium will accommodate up to 6,000 spectators.
Mwahari added that the county government will consider incorporating additional sporting facilities such as netball and volleyball courts if sufficient land remains after the football pitch is built. These multi-purpose facilities will be enclosed and secured by a perimeter wall.
Upon completion, the facility will be co-managed by the Nairobi County Government in partnership with local community representatives, offering youth in Riruta and surrounding areas a dedicated venue for sports and talent development.
Community Demands Transparency and Local Inclusion
While welcoming the news, local residents are demanding transparency, accountability, and active community involvement in both the construction and management phases.
Antony Kiarie, a resident of Riruta, called on the county government to publicize the awarded contractor and set up a local liaison office where community members can raise concerns during construction.
“We want the community to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the relevant authorities. This will clearly define the community’s role, establish a formal communication channel, and allow us to hold project leaders accountable,” Kiarie said.
He also urged the contractor to source building materials locally within Riruta to stimulate the neighborhood economy and support local business owners.
Concerns Over Alternative Training Grounds
The upcoming construction has raised immediate concerns regarding where local football teams will train during the 18-month build.
Ambrose Ayiga, an aspiring MCA for Riruta, emphasized that while residents support the development, authorities must guarantee temporary training grounds for young athletes.
Ayiga appealed to the Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) to temporarily grant local teams access to the grounds surrounding the DCC office. He also highlighted the urgent need to address current flooding issues on the pitch, which routinely disrupt training sessions during rainy seasons.
Economic Opportunities and Job Creation
Beyond sports, residents view the project as a vital source of livelihood for the local workforce. Community activist Benny Njuguna urged the contractor to prioritize Riruta residents for general labor and site security once materials arrive.
“Involving local youth in security and manual labor provides them with income and builds community ownership, which helps safeguard construction equipment and materials,” Njuguna argued. “Employing local labor ensures that a portion of the KSh 250 million investment directly benefits Riruta households.”
Overcoming Leadership Disputes
The announcement comes amid lingering leadership disputes surrounding the facility’s management, raising questions about how competing interests might affect project execution.
For many residents, the budget allocation marks a significant milestone toward transforming long-standing promises into a modern sports facility. However, they maintain that transparency in procurement, effective local leadership, and genuine community engagement will be essential to its success.
Once completed, Riruta Stadium is expected to serve as a hub for competitive sports, talent incubation, and recreation for present and future generations.