Bukhungu Stadium
Bukhungu Stadium is a multi-purpose sports venue located in Kakamega, Western Kenya. It serves as a key arena for football, athletics, and public events in the region. The stadium is home to Kenyan Premier League side Kakamega Homeboyz and regularly hosts regional and national competitions. With recent renovations, Bukhungu has become one of the country’s top-tier venues, and is part of Kenya’s bid for major continental tournaments such as CHAN and AFCON.
| Full name | Bukhungu Stadium |
| Location | Kakamega, Kenya |
| Capacity | 25,000 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Built | 1952, expanded 2016–2025 |
History
Bukhungu Stadium, named from the Luhya word "okhungwa" (referring to colonial-era exclusion of locals), has long been a focal point for sports in Western Kenya. Initially a modest venue, it gained prominence as the home ground of Western Stima and Kakamega Homeboyz. Renovation projects started around 2016, with major expansions undertaken by the Kakamega County Government to transform it into a modern sports complex.
Architecture and Capacity
The stadium lies near Kakamega town and is within walking distance of Masinde Muliro University. After redevelopment, it includes a VIP pavilion, terraced seating for over 25,000 spectators, and facilities for athletics. Phase three, in progress as of 2025, aims to increase capacity to 30,000 and meet CAF Category 4 standards.
Sporting Events
- Home ground for Kakamega Homeboyz (Kenyan Premier League).
- Venue for regional school sports and inter-county championships.
- Selected as a CHAN 2024 venue; also part of Kenya’s AFCON 2027 bid.
Cultural Events
Bukhungu also hosts non-sporting events such as concerts, religious crusades, and fitness gatherings, making it a central venue in Kakamega’s public life.
Significance for Kenya
As one of the few major stadiums outside Nairobi, Bukhungu plays a key role in decentralizing sports development in Kenya. It symbolizes the growth of sports infrastructure at the county level and enhances Kenya’s chances of hosting international tournaments.
Renovations
- Phase 2 (2016–2017): Expansion to ~25,000 capacity, new athletics track, gym, and seating areas.
- Phase 3 (2023–2025): Floodlights, pitch drainage, VIP/VVIP sections, CAF-compliant upgrades.
Trivia
- The name “Bukhungu” originates from colonial-era practices of excluding locals from the grounds.
- Residents regularly use the stadium for morning jogging and fitness routines.
- The stadium is expected to be one of Kenya’s key venues for continental football events by 2027.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bukhungu_Stadium
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kakamega_Homeboyz_F.C.
- https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2024-02-28-bukhungu-upgrade-on-track-as-kakamega-county-embarks-on-phase-3
- https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/kakamegas-bukhungu-stadium-set-for-chan/
- https://www.mozzartsport.co.ke/football/news/bukhungu-stadium-to-be-ready-in-time-for-chan-2024/39641
