Homa Bay: Kenyans react to stunning photos of newly launched amphitheater

Football fans at the Homa Bay Amphitheater enjoying the Kenya vs Madagascar match [Courtesy/X]

Stunning photos of the newly launched Homa Bay amphitheater have sparked excitement and debate online, showing the lakeside venue filled to capacity during its first major use.

In one image, hundreds of fans are captured packed tightly on the tiered stone seating, their eyes fixed on a giant screen as they cheered Harambee Stars in the Kenya vs Madagascar clash.

Another aerial shot offers a bird’s-eye view of the circular arena, with its concentric rows teeming with spectators.

A third photo, taken on a quieter day, reveals the amphitheater’s striking design: sweeping steps carved into the lakefront, blending seamlessly with the vast waters of Lake Victoria beyond.

Barely a month old, the amphitheater served as a fan zone during the match and was also one of the key projects showcased to President William Ruto and the nation during the recent Devolution Conference hosted in Homa Bay.

Described by the Genowa Delivery Unit as “an open-air performance and events venue blending modern architecture with the natural beauty of the lakefront”, the amphitheater is expected to host artists, poets, musicians, and cultural groups, while also boosting domestic tourism and small businesses in the region.

It is expected to host creative artists, musicians, poets, and cultural groups while boosting local tourism and related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transport services.

Traditionally, amphitheaters are open-air venues with tiered seating designed for performances, concerts, and public gatherings.

They play a key role as cultural and economic hubs by showcasing talent, attracting tourists, and generating revenue.

Homabay haters, where are you ? This is where Harambee Stars fans will enjoy the game from.

Looks nice, they just need some landscaping at the banks of this lake. pic.twitter.com/4egZeQ9R3T — Mudge Rulf (@MudgeRulf) August 22, 2025

However, the project has sparked debate online. Some critics questioned its urgency in light of the county’s challenges, including high unemployment, food insecurity, and limited access to family planning services.

On X, George Njoroge asked, “Homa Bay has 955,000 people, fertility rate 5.2, half the population under 15, 43.9% contraceptive use, 25% unmet family planning, food insecurity & high unemployment. Given this reality, do you honestly think an amphitheater is an urgent priority for the county?”

Others defended the project, arguing it would create jobs and spur domestic tourism. “People hire such spaces for functions… will that not create opportunities for staff and caretakers?” posed Captain Robbie.

Another user, Teresah Atieno, added: “Such tourism also attracts small-scale businesses, which in turn create employment opportunities. It’s called innovation and creativity.”

The amphitheater forms part of the Sh369 million Raila Odinga Stadium project, which has a 20,000-seat capacity.