Inside Raila Odinga Stadium upgraded for Sh 500 million, hosting Madaraka Day

The Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County is at the heart of Kenya’s 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, drawing thousands of people from the lakeside town and adjacent areas.

The stadium, named after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was officially opened in July 2023, nearly a decade after construction first began in 2014 under former Governor Cyprian Awiti. Its journey to completion was anything but smooth, marred by long-standing delays and bureaucratic hurdles.

Despite the grand opening, the facility was far from complete.

An Auditor General’s report flagged several missing elements, including a finished parking lot, perimeter fencing, pavilion seating, and mechanical and electrical systems.

The initial construction cost Sh369 million.

In early 2025, the national government injected an additional Sh500 million into upgrading the stadium to international standards.

According to Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, the stadium now features modern terraces, natural turf, and floodlights, making it suitable for both sports and community events.

“As we stand on the cusp of the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations, it is with great pride and anticipation that we gather in Homa Bay County, a region poised to make history by hosting this significant national event for the first time at the newly commissioned Raila Odinga Stadium,” Mwaura said during a press briefing at Tom Mboya University.

The stadium’s transformation has been overseen by Sports Kenya and finalized under the Ministry of Sports.

It was officially handed over to the National Celebrations Steering Committee on May 26, 2025, by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.

Originally constructed by the Homa Bay County Government with only a VIP pavilion in place, the facility has since undergone major renovations.

According to the official Homa Bay County website, it now boasts a seating capacity of 20,000, modern lighting, enhanced security, and improved amenities for athletes and media personnel.

This year’s Madaraka Day is themed “Harnessing Kenya’s Blue Economy for Sustainable Growth,” and the choice of Homa Bay as the host is no coincidence.

Thousands of Kenyans thronged the newly upgraded Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on Saturday night, hours before the official Madaraka Day celebrations.

By midnight, the stadium was nearly full. 

As is the norm, President William Ruto is leading the day's celebrations, which are also being graced by Slovenian President Nataša Musar.

In attendance are Deputy Kithure Kindiki, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, among others.