CS Mvurya promises no displacement during Thika stadium construction

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has assured traders and residents that there will be no displacement or disruption of business activities during the construction of the modern 10,000-seater Thika Stadium ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Thika town, Kiambu County, on Monday, February 16, 2026, Mvurya said the multi-million shilling project will boost sports in the region without affecting livelihoods around the stadium.

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“I want to state that the businesses around the stadium and other livelihood activities will not be disrupted when this project starts,” Mvurya said, calming fears among traders and community leaders.

He was accompanied by CS Defence Soipan Tuya, Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi, and PS Defence Patrick Mariru. Tuya echoed Mvurya’s assurances, adding that existing facilities such as basketball courts and swimming pools will remain intact during construction.

“The amenities installed in the stadium to bolster sports will not be affected by the construction,” Tuya said, noting that the project will enhance Thika’s reputation as a sports town.

The upgraded Thika Stadium will feature an 8-lane running track, a standard football pitch, changing rooms, a canopy, and a VVIP pavilion, making it suitable for high-level guests and for AFCON 2027 training sessions.

PS Sports Elijah Mwangi highlighted the county’s advantage under the government’s push for modern sports infrastructure. “Kiambu continues to benefit from these initiatives, with multiple stadiums and talent academies already supporting athlete development,” he said.

Local leaders also welcomed the project. Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika described the development as transformative, saying, “This stadium will open doors for young talent and attract sports tourism to Thika.” Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a added: “We are confident that the stadium will not only elevate sports in our county but also support AFCON 2027 preparations.”

The facility is expected to be completed in under a year and will form part of Kenya’s official AFCON 2027 preparations.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to be held from June to July 2027 and will be the 36th edition of Africa’s premier national-team football tournament. It will be co‑hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, marking the first time the event is run across three East African countries.

In Kenya specifically, a dedicated CAF delegation has been invited to review stadiums such as the Talanta City Stadium, soon to be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium, along with ongoing upgrades at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the Nyayo National Stadium.