Millions of shillings in taxpayers’ money risk being lost in mega projects initiated in Gusii region during President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
This emerged after President William Ruto ordered the demolition of sections of Gusii Stadium and the Suneka Airstrip, projects that had already consumed more than a billion shillings in public funds.
An analysis by The Nation revealed that more than Sh500 million could effectively go to waste, with both projects now facing extensive reconstruction.
President William Ruto interacts with football fans after handing over a bus to Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium.
On Thursday morning workers could be seen gathering at Suneka Airstrip, a quiet signal that construction activity may soon resume. At Gusii Stadium, however, pockets of demolition had already begun, with parts of the stands being brought down.
President Ruto directed the immediate demolition of the completed terminal building at Suneka Airstrip, dismissing it as resembling “a certain woman’s house”.
“This terminal building looks like a residential house. I have ordered its demolition and the construction of a new one. People who come here are important, including those from abroad. We do not want them to arrive at a structure that resembles a house,” he said.
He further announced a fresh start for the airstrip, which had previously been closed and decommissioned.
“This airport had been shut down. I have now ordered that it be constructed afresh. You have endured the inconvenience of travelling to Homa Bay, Migori and sometimes Kisumu, only to face further challenges on the roads. The runway, currently 900 metres, must be extended to over a kilometre,” he added.
The President tasked Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir with delivering a new terminal and extended runway within four months, while Kisii Governor Simba Arati was instructed to secure additional land for expansion.
About seven years ago, it underwent a first phase upgrade worth Sh52 million, covering a perimeter wall, parking area, administration block and passenger lounge. Ahead of the August 2022 elections, the government had outlined a further Sh132 million rehabilitation plan to accommodate larger aircraft, including a proposal by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to extend the runway from 950 metres to one kilometre.
Gusii Stadium tells a similarly layered story. Declaring the facility substandard, President Ruto ordered its transformation into a modern, globally competitive arena.
“We are rebuilding and expanding Gusii Stadium, giving it a more modern touch that will elevate it to global standards. We have broken ground for a Sh1 billion, 14,000-seater stadium, featuring a FIFA-standard pitch and an eight-lane track, set for completion in April 2027,” he said on Sunday, shortly after gifting Shabana FC a bus worth Sh27 million.
Originally constructed during former Kisii Governor James Ongwae’s tenure, the stadium has undergone repeated renovations over the years, each consuming substantial public resources. In 2024 alone, approximately Sh34 million was spent - Sh20 million on an inner perimeter fence, Sh10 million on a backup generator, and Sh4 million on improvements to the playing surface.
Despite these investments, the 12,000-capacity facility has been closed multiple times since 2014, when initial renovation works began. During the 2021/22 financial year, the county allocated Sh96 million to the project, while former President Uhuru Kenyatta had earlier committed Sh150 million from the national government to complete its upgrade.
Mr Kenyatta had directed improvements to the drainage system and the installation of a tartan track to international standards. Following renovations funded jointly by the national and county governments, with the county contributing about Sh60 million, Gusii Stadium hosted last year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Earlier still, at the launch of repair works in 2014, James Ongwae had announced that Sh50 million had been set aside, expressing confidence that the project would be completed “in a few days.”
Aerial view of the section of Gusii Stadium in this photo taken on April 18, 2022. Sections of the stadium are already being brought down for reconstruction.
Photo credit: Benson Ayienda | Nation Media Group
In 2018, the stadium ranked among the country’s finest after hosting the Kenya Inter-County Sports and Cultural Association games, and in 2019 it staged the 40th edition of the Kenya Communications Sports Organisation games.
Likewise, the shifting tides of policy have not spared Suneka Airstrip. About two years ago, President Ruto halted its construction, proposing instead an affordable housing project, citing poor topography and an unsuitable environment.
During an interdenominational thanksgiving service at Nyanturago Stadium in 2023, he formally announced its decommissioning, citing insufficient land for expansion.
“I request leaders from Kisii and Nyamira to address this matter urgently. I am decommissioning Suneka Airstrip to allow our leaders to identify alternative land where the government can construct an airport,” he said.
The airstrip had been commissioned before Dr Ruto assumed office, on land donated by residents of Bonchari. His decision to decommission it came despite persistent appeals from local leaders to rehabilitate the facility for cargo and passenger flights.
Now, in a striking reversal, the same project is being resurrected, its past erased, its future uncertain.
