MIGORI: Governor Ochilo Ayackoh has assured residents that the long-awaited construction of the Migori County Stadium has officially resumed after stalling due to financial constraints.

Speaking during a snap inspection of the facility, the county chief expressed optimism about the project’s progress but left sports enthusiasts guessing with a vague timeline for its completion.

The Governor announced that the contractor has promised the stadium will be ready for use by “September.” However, he stopped short of clarifying whether the facility would be opened in September of this year or next year, leaving the exact completion date shrouded in ambiguity.

“The contractor through his technical team here,have promised that by September this stadium will be in use”.he stated 

The multi-million shilling flagship project, which was a key pillar of the Governor’s election manifesto, had recently ground to a halt. According to the county boss, the temporary stoppage was triggered by cash flow hitches after the contractor encountered delays in payments for several completed certificates.

 “There was a little stop because of cash flow,” the Governor explained.

“The contractor reckoned that he had not been paid for a few certificates. I have just spoken to him, and he indicates that the flow of funds is now smooth, and work has fully resumed.”

The Governor revealed that despite the recent financial bottlenecks, the structural layout of the stadium is highly advanced, with construction currently standing at over 75% complete.

Co-funding project

Governor noted that the dream of a modern stadium was initially conceived during the campaigns.

While he had hoped to execute it under a different political alignment, he lauded the evolving relationship between the national government and county leadership for reviving the project.

He credited the political handshake and friendship between President William Ruto and the late leader Raila Odinga who was the opposition leader by then,for fostering a conducive environment for devolution to thrive.

The governor emphasized a philosophy of cooperative development, pointing out that development programs do not belong to distinct political factions but rather to the citizens of Migori.

He framed the stadium as a true product of this intergovernmental synergy, detailing a shared funding and resource model. 

While the initial project conception, the vision, and the physical land belong to the Migori County Government, the crucial financial muscle required to execute and complete the construction is being provided by the National Government.

Boosting of local talents and creating opportunity

The ongoing construction has already injected life into the local economy by providing substantial employment opportunities and boosting trade in the region.

The project has actively created jobs for numerous young people, including technical graduates from local institutions who are gaining vital hands-on experience, alongside laborers who have the energy and discipline for the structural work. 

Beyond direct labor, the stadium has created a thriving market for local suppliers and business owners. These entrepreneurs are benefiting immensely by supplying essential construction materials required for the project, including steel, cement, sand, and various other building components.

Beyond the economic windfall, the stadium is expected to be a game-changer for local sports. The Governor earmarked the facility as the future home ground for the Migori Youth Football Team, which recently qualified for the National Premier League.

Naming of the stadium

As the facility nears its final phases, questions regarding its official branding have emerged. The Governor stated that he has already begun brainstorming potential names but promised to conduct public participation before making a final decision.

“I do not want to talk about the name now, but we will consult our people and give it a name that most of us approve of,” he concluded, before welcoming questions from the press.