Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret is 75 per cent complete, with the government expressing confidence that the facility will be ready to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the ongoing construction works were progressing well, with the completion rate expected to reach 80 per cent within the next two to three days following the installation of seats already delivered to the site.
Speaking after inspecting the facility, Mvurya said the remaining construction works would continue after the national celebrations, with full completion expected by the end of December.
He said the government was committed to ensuring that the stadium was ready for the national event before embarking on the remaining works, including installation of the tartan track and completion of the playing surface to make it suitable for sporting activities.
“We are very happy with the progress achieved so far. For the purposes of Mashujaa Day celebrations, we will be ready to host the event here, and immediately afterwards we will continue preparing the stadium for sports activities,” said Mvurya.
The CS said this year’s Mashujaa Day theme focuses on sports, security and finance, with various activities lined up across Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
The activities include sports competitions, exhibitions and a marathon scheduled for Saturday as part of the build-up to the national celebrations.
Mvurya said Kipchoge Keino Stadium was among 33 sports facilities being developed across the country as part of the government’s efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and create opportunities for young people to nurture their talents.
He noted that the investments would provide athletes with modern facilities for training and competition while positioning Kenya to benefit economically from the sports industry.
The CS said the facilities would also support preparations for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, noting that Eldoret’s high-altitude environment made it an important training destination for local and international athletes.
He observed that sports had evolved beyond entertainment to become an important contributor to livelihoods, tourism, investment and national development.
“Sports is no longer just for entertainment. It is a critical ingredient in our livelihood programmes and a catalyst for economic growth,” he said.
Mvurya said the government would also use the Mashujaa Day activities to sensitise athletes and members of the public on opportunities available through sports agencies and the importance of combating doping.
He said the government was committed to promoting clean sports and ensuring Kenyan athletes competed with integrity.
On the quality of construction, the CS assured Kenyans that the government would not compromise on standards, noting that technical experts, including engineers from the Ministry of Defence, were overseeing the project to ensure compliance with required specifications.
Regarding preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Mvurya said Kipchoge Keino Stadium had been designated as an alternative venue, while the main matches would be hosted at Raila Odinga International Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
He said several training grounds around Nairobi were also being prepared for the continental tournament.
Mvurya was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi and Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo during the inspection.
By Fredrick Maritim and Ekuwam Sylvester
