Bukhungu stadium ready for FEASSSA games, Barasa says

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has given a clean bill of health to the multi-billion Bukhungu Stadium to host Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association games(FEASSSA) next week, stating that the facility will be ready by Sunday this week.

The games are slated to begin from 14th to 24th August, and Bukhungu is set to host the official opening of the competition.

Speaking during an inspection tour alongside the contractor, Governor Barasa assured Kenyans and East African countries participating in the competition that Bukhungu Stadium is ready and the contractor is finalising the touches.

"I want to confirm that Kakamega will host the FEASSA starting on the 14th to 24th August, and we have been assured by the contractor that by Sunday evening this stadium will have the carpet ready for our sportsmen and women to play their games here," said Barasa.

 “We are expecting eight teams, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Botswana and Nigeria. It's going to be a big ten days full of sports activities,” he said.

Additionally, the governor assured all participants of maximum security, stating that the county is closely collaborating with the county security team to provide security.

"I want to assure our people that Kakamega is safe, we have put all the infrastructure in terms of security, general welfare, and I want to assure all participants that come 14th of August, you are all welcome," said Barasa.

He added, "The safety of our players is a key priority, and in conjunction with the Ministry of Education, we are going to avail ambulances and all the necessary support that is required."

The multi-billion stadium has been undergoing renovation and is also scheduled to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.

"We are also on schedule for AFCON 2027, the contractor is putting in more team to ensure that the entire C-section is completed by June next year, and that is what I have basically come to confirm, and therefore we are in control," said Barasa.

The county government has so far spent Sh875 million, Sh475 million for the first phase and Sh400 million for the second phase.

Traders and hoteliers in Kakamega who are gearing up to rake in money from the competitions have thanked the county for hosting national school games and now the East African games, but urged the government to provide security.

"We are ready to serve participants from Kenya and East Africa. We have started receiving guests, the general security within the hotel is above board, and what we are urging the police is to provide maximum security outside and within the environs of the town," said Gumato Abudho, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Hotel.

Mohammed Ali, a businessman operating Zam Zam hotel within Kakamega town, expressed his joy for the upcoming games, stating that they are ready to offer hospitality services to the guests and make income, which will spur the local economy.

"The competitions come with a lot of benefits; it is going to enable the business people to make money, and circulation of money will be high, hence boosting the local economy, and we urge the government to provide enough security for those doing business," said Ali.