With phase one upgrading of Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay (ROSH) complete, the venue is set to host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations on Sunday, 1 June, and the Mashemeji Derby a day later.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe derby that pits Gor Mahia against their arch-rivals, AFC Leopards, was initially set for Sunday, 11 May, but was postponed due to the unavailability of a suitable stadium, with K’Ogalo, who are hosts, given two weeks by FKF to find a venue for the match.Video courtesy of Signet TV KenyaWith Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium – the only two large capacity facilities in Kenya capable of comfortably hosting the derby, Gor Mahia opted to take the highly anticipated clash to the lakeside county of Homa Bay.Benni McCarthy recalls Victor Wanyama to Harambee Stars squadROSH, which was being upgraded by Sports Kenya, has now been officially completed and handed over to the National Celebrations Steering Committee by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya on Monday, 26 May.Mozzart Sport explores videos and photos found on various online platforms to provide an update on the progress of the stadium.The major structural works that have happened since the beginning of the refurbishment are the development of spectator terraces and a full circle canopy.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952915##Initially, the facility had only the VIP pavilion to serve all spectators, with others forced to watch proceedings in the stadium while standing across the inner perimeter wall.The Government of Kenya (GoK), through the Ministry of Sports, then developed terraces all around the stadium, thereby increasing the seating capacity from about 2,000 to 12,000, as in a YouTube video by Signet TV Kenya.Unlike works in some of the stadia that were previously upgraded for the purposes of national celebrations, like the Kericho Green Stadium and Gusii Stadium, the terraces at ROSH have all been done with concrete as opposed to steel stands.AFC Leopards directed to postpone elections till 2026Additionally, the stands are continuous all-around and not stand-alone terraces as is the case with Kericho, Gusii, Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Mamboleo, just to mention but a few.Still on the stands, the installation of a full circle canopy, which formed the larger part of the remaining works, is now complete, with the whole seating area in the stadium now roofed.The full canopy has increased the aesthetics and beauty of the stadium, but most importantly, it is part of the requirements for hosting major sporting events, including CAF matches, which the county is eyeing to host in the facility.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952631##The main pavilion, which was already done by the County Government, has also been renovated in order to aid easy and secure VIP access and enhance top-notch hospitality.In photos shared by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, the former Women Representative is seen hosting VIP guests inside the new look VIP lounge.The changing rooms, which are housed in the VIP, have also been renovated, as seen in previous amateur photos that captured ongoing works.Fans divided over Victor Wanyama’s desire to return to Harambee StarsThe previous seats, which had been installed in the whole VIP pavilion, were removed in order to put temporary VIP seats for Madaraka Day celebrations, with reports indicating that foldable VIP seats will be installed in the next phase of upgrades.The other upgrades at ROSH involve the installation of floodlights. The video by Signet TV Kenya, which was partially covered at night, shows floodlights installed at the canopy structure across the stadium as well as four additional high-mast floodlights in the four corners of the pitch.Outside the playing area and the stands, the parking lot has also been increased to cover a capacity of over 150 cars. The parking has been done with cabro and stretches from the VIP area to other sections near it.##NAJAVA_MECA_8952649##With all the impressive works going on, concerns have been raised about the suitability of the playing surface to host matches and especially, the Mashemeji Derby, a day after a military parade at the venue.The playing surface has been a beehive of activities for about three weeks as both the military and the Kenya Police, as well as artists, have been practising their drills there.CS Mvurya said that experts will be sent in the next phase of upgrades to determine whether the playing surface and the grass itself meet CAF specifications.Harambee Starlets striker’s club to receive hundreds of millions for Champions League triumphFresh CAF-approved grass will be installed in the facility if the current one fails the test.ROSH now adds to the number of stadia constructed, upgraded or refurbished, especially in the last three years.
