Ithookwe Stadium now complete ahead of the Mashujaa Day fete in Kitui
By David Nthua, October 15, 2025The President William Ruto-commissioned Ithookwe Stadium is now ready to be used for the Mashujaa Day fete on October 20, 2025.
Speaking during the official handing over of the facility to the National Steering Committee on National Celebrations, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said that under President Ruto’s administration, Kitui County is witnessing transformative projects that place it firmly at the centre of Kenya’s development story.
Also watch: Kitui County set to benefit from Ithookwe Stadium.
“For far too long, the people of Kitui have contributed immensely to Kenya’s growth and shared in the nation’s aspirations, yet development in this region remained delayed,” Mvurya said.
“Today, Kitui’s story is being rewritten. Under the visionary leadership of H.E. President William Ruto, Kitui is witnessing transformative projects that speak to a government determined to deliver, proving that every corner of Kenya, including Kitui, truly matters,” the CS added.
Elsewhere, President William Ruto met with a section of leaders drawn from the Lower Eastern region, as part of ongoing consultations ahead of the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Ithookwe Stadium handed over
The CS announced that the construction of the State Lodge, Airstrip, Ithookwe Stadium and connecting roads marks a new dawn for Kitui County, where residents are no longer left behind in national development.
“It was against this backdrop of progress that I officially handed over the Ithookwe Stadium to the National Steering Committee on National Celebrations, represented by Secretary of Administration Mr. Kodek Makori, to facilitate preparations ahead of this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations,” Mvurya said.
He lauded the collaboration between the national and county governments in completing the project. “I applaud the seamless collaboration with the County Government in the realisation of this key infrastructure,” he said.
Mvurya was accompanied by Kitui Governor Julius Malombe, Senior Assistant Secretary for Sports Evans Achoki, Sports Kenya Chair Mark Lomunokol, and senior government officials.
“Kenya’s sports development has lagged over the years, yet it remains the right of every Kenyan to enjoy quality sporting infrastructure and opportunities,” he said.
“Guided by the clarion call of President William Ruto to integrate sports into our national development agenda, we are witnessing a transformative shift, and today, for the first time since independence, Kitui County proudly boasts a new modern stadium as part of this vision.”
The Ithookwe Stadium will host the national Mashujaa Day celebrations, expected to attract thousands of citizens and dignitaries from across the country.
National honours nominations
Meanwhile, Parliament had invited Kenyans to submit their views or objections regarding Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff nominated for national honours during the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Citizens had until Monday, October 13, 2025, to give feedback to the Parliamentary Honours Advisory Committee.
The list includes 60 nominees, 35 Members of the National Assembly and 11 Senators, among them Tiaty MP William Kamket Kassait, Kimilili MP Didmus Wekesa Barasa, Mt. Elgon MP Fred Kapondi Chesebe, and Sirisia MP John Walukhe Koy.
The awards are given under the National Honours Act to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Kenya’s governance, sports, academia, and social or economic development.
This year’s Mashujaa Day fete in Kitui will be the first major national celebration to be held at the newly completed Ithookwe Stadium.