The dream of a world-class sports arena in Nandi County is finally taking shape after the national government officially handed over the site for the construction of the ultra-modern Kipchoge Keino Stadium.
The event, presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya, marked a historic milestone in Kenya’s fast-evolving sports infrastructure landscape.
CS Tuya described the stadium as long overdue for a county globally celebrated for producing champions.
She noted that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), which is supervising the construction, is currently implementing 72 other national projects, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery. The contractor undertaking the Talanta Stadium project will also spearhead the Kapsabet facility.
“Nandi is the county of champions. It is not proper that such a county has lacked a standard stadium for this long. We will deliver this facility within the set timelines,” CS Tuya affirmed.
For decades, Nandi’s world-famous athletes have done their morning runs along rugged village paths and through the sweeping tea plantations that blanket the region.
These serene but improvised training routes have produced global icons yet the county has lacked a formal, modern sports facility to match its athletic heritage. The new stadium is expected to greatly enhance training conditions and inspire even more sporting talent.
Tinderet MP, Julius Melly hailed the ground breaking as part of Kenya’s wider strategy to elevate sports facilities to international standards.
He praised Governor Stephen Sang and the County Assembly of Nandi for their focused leadership and determination to overcome political distractions that had previously slowed progress.
“Kenya is reshaping its sports landscape, and Nandi is proudly part of this transformation,” Melly said. “This stadium will be built with precision under the Defence Forces to ensure quality.”
Governor Stephen Sang said the new stadium marks a significant leap forward in nurturing sporting talent and stimulating economic growth.
He outlined its key features, including a World Athletics certified 400-metre tartan track, a seating capacity of 10,000 expandable to 15,000, and a FIFA/CAF compliant football pitch with advanced drainage and irrigation systems.
“This is more than a stadium, it is a high-performance environment for our athletes,” Sang noted. “With indoor gym facilities, strength and conditioning rooms, warm-up areas, and an accommodation block, this complex will shape the next generation of champions.”
He added that the project includes upgraded access roads, modern drainage and flood-control systems, CCTV enhanced security, and expanded parking and transport hubs. Sang extended gratitude to President William Ruto for his unwavering support.
“This stadium is an investment in our youth, our economy, and our identity as a county of champions,” he said.
Emgwen MP, Josses Lelmengit highlighted the stadium’s potential to transform sports in the region. The 25-acre complex, he said, will also feature an indoor sports hall, modern changing rooms, a perimeter wall, and other crucial amenities.
“This facility will open new doors for both emerging and elite athletes to train and compete on a world-class stage,” Lelmengit stated, commending the partnership between national and county governments.
Nandi County Commissioner, Wilberforce Kilonzo pledged his full support toward ensuring the success of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda in the region.
“I have been sent here to work, and I am ready. Let us work together to make this county the best,” he said.
The ground breaking ceremony attracted hundreds of enthusiastic residents who expressed joy and relief that the long-awaited project had finally commenced.
Kapsabet resident Emily Jepchirchir said the development marks a turning point for local sports. “We have always watched our athletes shine on global stages, yet we lacked a proper stadium at home. This project will inspire our children and help nurture more champions.”
Another resident, John Kipkemboi, noted the economic benefits expected from the stadium. “This is a big blessing for Nandi. Our young people will have a modern place to train, and our businesses will grow as more events come to the county.”
Parents, youth groups, and budding athletes praised both levels of government for prioritizing sports development, saying the stadium cements Nandi’s standing as Kenya’s athletics powerhouse.
With construction expected to be completed within one year, the Kipchoge Keino Stadium symbolizes a renewed national commitment to sports excellence providing a world-class facility for a county whose athletes continue to bring glory to Kenya on the global stage.
by Linet Wafula
