Jacaranda Grounds in Soweto, Embakasi East, which has long served as a major political gathering point, is set for a complete transformation following President William Ruto’s announcement that a modern stadium will be built at the site beginning September this year.

Ruto announced on Thursday during an inspection of ongoing works on the Savannah–Stage 17 Bridge Road in Soweto. He said the project is part of a broader plan to improve public infrastructure and social amenities in the area.

“As from September this year, I will be coming back here to officially launch the stadium’s construction,” Ruto stated, adding that the government will also invest in schools, hospitals, and other key facilities in the area.

Jacaranda Grounds, which covers 31.73 acres near Jacaranda Estate, has historically been a favourite spot for political rallies, especially during election periods.

It was among six open spaces across Nairobi earmarked in 2021 by the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) for conversion into recreational areas, as part of efforts to decongest Uhuru and Central Parks.

A 2020 report by UN-Habitat Kenya titled Nairobi City County Public Space Inventory and Assessment revealed that the capital city had over 826 public spaces, including playgrounds, parks, and sports fields.

However, it also warned that these spaces were increasingly under threat due to encroachment and neglect.

In the Nairobi Finance Act, 2023, politicians and religious groups were spared from paying fees for using such public grounds, including Jacaranda and Kamukunji, after earlier proposals to charge them were dropped.

The county had initially planned to impose a daily fee of Sh20,000 for religious events, but the suggestion was eventually scrapped.

The planned stadium project comes just weeks after the Ministry of Defence completed major renovations on Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya will host starting August 3.

On Wednesday, Ruto inspected the refurbished Kasarani Stadium and met Harambee Stars players during a training session. He said the stadium now meets the required CAF and FIFA standards and affirmed the country’s readiness to host the tournament.

“Today, we can proudly say that we are going to host CHAN on August 3,” Ruto said.

Addressing the national team, he pledged the government’s full support, urging the players to do their best and make the country proud.

“We believe in you. We trust you. We believe in your capacity and potential, and we will proudly cheer you to victory,” he said.

During the same visit, the President announced that youth recently recruited into the government’s Climate WorkX programme will begin work on Monday, now that the shortlisting process has been concluded.