Plans to construct a Sh900 million, 10,000-seater stadium in Lodwar have moved closer to implementation following discussions between Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai Napotikan and Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru in Lodwar Town.
The proposed Ekalees Sports Stadium, near Ekalees Centre, is expected to transform Turkana’s sports infrastructure and provide a modern venue for football, athletics, cultural events and other community activities.
The Ministry of Defence will supervise the construction, with Mariru saying the project is now set to begin and will take nine months to complete.
“We are here because the Ministry of Defence will be supervising the construction, and I am here to assure the Governor that the work of construction starts now and it will take nine months to complete the stadium. It will be a 10,000-seater stadium and will have an international-standard football pitch,” Mariru said.
The facility will also feature an eight-lane running track, VIP lounges, terraces and other modern sporting amenities, further positioning Lodwar as a regional centre for sports and cultural activities.
Governor Lomorukai welcomed the project, saying it would create opportunities for young people and strengthen Lodwar’s position as a regional sports and cultural hub.
“Today, I held discussions with Defence Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru on the proposed construction of a 10,000-seater stadium near Ekalees Centre in Lodwar.”
“The facility will provide a modern space for sports and cultural events, create opportunities for our young people and strengthen Lodwar’s position as a regional hub for sporting and cultural activities.”
The Governor also thanked President William Ruto for supporting the project and expressed optimism over its successful implementation.
The project is being implemented through a partnership involving the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, and the Turkana County Government, with local residents expected to benefit from employment opportunities during construction.
The Lodwar stadium fulfils a commitment made by President William Ruto during his visit to Turkana, where he pledged to expand modern sports infrastructure beyond Nairobi.
The President later reiterated the plan to build stadiums across the country, specifically mentioning Lodwar in Turkana County among the areas set to benefit.
“The stadium at Talanta is not the only one. We are building 28 others like it. Stadiums used to be found only in Nairobi and a few major towns, but I said the whole country must move forward at the same pace.”
“I promised you that Turkana will not be left behind. We have many young people here, and we will build the stadium here.”
President Ruto’s remarks underline the national government’s plan to expand major sports infrastructure to counties outside the traditional sporting centres.
Once completed, the Lodwar facility will give young athletes a platform to develop and showcase their talent while creating opportunities to host regional competitions, cultural events and other major gatherings, with potential benefits for the local economy.
