Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that the construction of Kamariny Stadium, whose rehabilitation stalled in 2017 will be completed within one year.
The CS revealed that the government had identified a new contractor who is already on site and assured the athletic fraternity that the stadium will be complete by July next year.
Speaking when he made a tour of the stadium, the CS said the stadium will be constructed to international standards, comprising a standard football pitch, a tartan track, changing rooms, a 10,000-seater capacity and another space for 1,500 VIPs.
Murkomen assured athletes that the government will construct a murram track which they prefer, adding that he had faith that the current contractor will meet the set timelines, having worked with him previously.
He added that phase II which will be funded under the affordable housing programme will see the construction of hostels of about 100 residents and attractive camps which will be used by both local and international athletes as they prepare for international assignments.
The CS said that the government was also constructing other sportsgrounds in Chekorio (Keiyo South), St. Patricks (Keiyo North), Kapchebau (Marakwet East), Kibigos (Marakwet West) and Chesongoch in Kerio Valley Sub-County.
The completion will come as a relief to upcoming athletes who cannot access overpriced private training facilities and other privately owned residential facilities.
In this regard, the government allocated Sh278 million through the sports stadia management board for the rehabilitation of the stadium but works stalled after the contractor left, allegedly for non-payment.
By Alice Wanjiru
