Construction of stadium in Naivasha put on hold over land issues

By Vincent Mabatuk

Naivasha, Kenya: The much-awaited construction of an ultramodern stadium in Naivasha by the county government of Nakuru has been suspended.

The High Court in Nakuru has temporarily stopped the county government from proceeding with commissioning of the project until a case opposing it is heard and determined.

This transpired yesterday after five petitioners moved to court alleging they have been occupying the land on which the facility is supposed to be put up since 1998 and were never consulted about plans to construct the stadium.

The 50,000-seater Nakuru International Sports and Convention Centre will have underground parking that can accommodate between 8,000 and 10,000 vehicles.

The petitioners, led by Pharis Ndung’u, have filed the case on behalf of 24 others, claim to have been occupying the land as squatters.

The land that previously belonged to Delamere estate is said to have been exchanged with a parcel belonging to the government for construction of a sports complex.

Justice Rosyne Wendoh directed both parties to appear before her on June 6 for further directions.