Sports persons and enthusiasts from Baringo County have a reason to smile, after the national government embarked on the construction of a 10, 000seater Kabarnet stadium.
Athletes from the county have been relying on facilities in the neighbouring Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu counties, while footballers lacked standard pitches to play on.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony at ASK Baringo branch showgrounds in Kabarnet town, Defense PS Dr. Patrick Mariru said construction works of the Sh900 million multi-purpose stadium will be completed in nine months’ time.
Mariru noted that the stadium will be constructed by China Roads and Bridges Corporation (CRBC), under the supervision of the military and they will be collaborating with their sports counterparts and the Baringo County government to ensure completion within the stipulated timelines, with all the required standards.
“I want to assure the residents of Kabarnet town and its environs that the stadium will accommodate 10,000 spectators and will host various sports disciplines like football, rugby, athletics and will be completed within the agreed timeframes,” he said.
The PS, accompanied by his Sports counterpart Elijah Mwangi among other leaders, urged the locals to prepare for opportunities that will arise from the construction of the modern sports facility, which will also have several commercial amenities.
Mwangi, while echoing the sentiments by his Defense counterpart, said that the facility was made possible following a directive by President Dr. William Ruto last year after a long-standing request from local leaders.
The Sports PS stated that the facility will play a crucial role in transforming the region, as well as unearthing unexploited talents for growth.
Baringo governor Benjamin Cheboi in his remarks lauded the construction of the stadium, which he noted will boost the economy of Kabarnet town and the entire county.
He urged the government to consider them by constructing other new stadiums across the six constituencies in order to engage the youth in productive activities and shun retrogressive cultural practices like cattle rustling and banditry.
The county Senator, Vincent Chemitei, said that he was optimistic that upon completion, the stadium will be considered to host national celebrations and other crucial events, as a sense of pride and to showcase the rich cultural diversity within the vast county.
The stadium was relocated from the initial site at Bondeni area to the over 20-acre piece of land within the outskirts of Kabarnet town, after residents unanimously agreed during a public participation forums held early January 2026.
By Benson Kelio & Joshua Kibet
