Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s partnership with Kiambu County Government in constructing Thika Stadium, dismissing as propaganda Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a’s claims that county-built modern kiosks face demolition.
Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is actively collaborating with the Kiambu County Government in the construction of Thika Stadium, highlighting strong intergovernmental partnership to deliver modern sports infrastructure for the people of Kiambu.
Speaking during a visit to the stadium site on February 15, 2026, CS Tuya said the joint project is progressing well and remains on track, with both national and county governments pooling resources to complete the facility. “The Ministry of Defence is proud to partner with Kiambu County in building Thika Stadium,” Tuya said. “This is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when national and county governments work together for the common good. The stadium will serve youth, promote sports talent and boost the local economy once complete.”
The CS also directly addressed and dismissed recent claims by Thika Member of Parliament Alice Ng’ang’a that modern kiosks constructed by the Kiambu County Government near the stadium site are set for demolition to pave way for the project. “I want to state categorically that no county project is under threat of demolition,” Tuya said. “The assertions being circulated are pure propaganda aimed at creating unnecessary tension between levels of government. All county developments in the area will continue uninterrupted, and we are coordinating closely to ensure harmony.”
Tuya emphasised that the Ministry of Defence respects devolution and has no intention of overriding county authority. “Kiambu County Government has invested heavily in public amenities, including these modern kiosks that support small traders,” she added. “Those kiosks are safe. Our focus is on completing the stadium while preserving existing county assets. We will not allow misinformation to derail this important partnership.”
The Thika Stadium project, a multi-purpose facility with an international-standard running track, football pitch, spectator stands and ancillary amenities, is part of the national government’s broader sports infrastructure agenda. The collaboration with Kiambu County includes shared funding, technical expertise from the Ministry of Defence’s engineering unit and joint oversight to ensure timely completion.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi, who accompanied the CS during the site visit, welcomed the clarification and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to the partnership. “We are grateful to the Ministry of Defence for this collaboration,” Wamatangi said. “Thika Stadium will be a landmark for Kiambu and the entire country. We are working together seamlessly, and all our county projects—including the kiosks—remain secure and on course.”
Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a, who had earlier claimed the kiosks would be demolished without compensation, has not responded to the CS’s rebuttal as of February 16, 2026. Her office issued a brief statement reiterating concerns about consultation but did not address the direct denial.
The project has already created hundreds of jobs for local youth in construction, masonry, electrical works and site security. Site engineer Capt. John Mwangi said progress stands at 62% completion, with the main grandstand, pitch foundation and perimeter fencing already in place. “We expect to hand over a fully functional stadium by mid-2027,” Mwangi said. “The partnership with the county has been smooth and productive.”
Local traders operating the modern kiosks expressed relief after the CS’s assurance. “We were worried we would lose our businesses,” said Jane Wanjiku, who runs a food kiosk near the site. “Now we know our structures are safe, and we look forward to more customers once the stadium opens.”
The clarification by CS Tuya has been welcomed by devolution advocates who see it as a reaffirmation of mutual respect between national and county governments. Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) Chairperson Mary Wambui said: “Intergovernmental cooperation is the cornerstone of devolution. Projects like Thika Stadium succeed when both levels work as partners, not competitors.”
As construction continues, the stadium is expected to host local league matches, national athletics events and community activities, contributing to sports development and economic activity in Thika town.
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