- The stadium is one of those earmarked for possible AFCON 2027 hosting
- The construction works have stalled for almost 10 years
- The stadium will host Devolution Games
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba says he is pleased with the construction works ongoing at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, one of the facilities earmarked to possibly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, if the Pamoja East Africa bid wins.
Namwamba inspected the facility, accompanied by Sports PS Peter Tum. Ababu expressed satisfaction at the pace of development and the quality of work being undertaken by the contractor in comparison to the state of the stadium a month ago.
“Five weeks ago we were here and we left in a very foul mood because of the disappointments on the ground. Then, we were being told stories of how work was going on here, but when we visited this stadium we were left in absolute shock at the status of the stadium. But a couple of weeks down the line, I must say that we have made real progress,” Namwamba said.
On the condition of the pitch, the CS lauded the contractor for the swift progress, which he said was a step in the right direction as regards the standards set out by his Ministry.
“The pitch was worse than a cattle track, but now it is starting to look like a sporting pitch where we can comfortably allow our footballers and other field events to take place. The whole area was looking tattered and unkempt. But now we can see some landscaping that has happened which makes the place look a lot better,” noted Ababu.
Maintain the pace towards Devolution Games
Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, PS Peter Tum among other officials at the Kip Keino Stadium
The minister called on the contractor to maintain the pace towards ensuring that the pitch was ready for the first match of the devolution conference in 10 days time. “We have exactly 10 days from today to make sure that all outstanding works are completed. There is a bit of work still to be done on the pitch and the grass, so that they are of the required level and height, for it to be put to use as well as some bit of rehabilitation of the tartan track” he added.
“We want to complete this facility because it carries a revered name-Kipchoge Keino. It’s the highest you can go in terms of Kenyan legendary. This is a legend of legends and a stadium named after this great legend must be of a picture, of a stature that reflects the legend.”
He assured Kenyans that his Ministry was doing everything humanely possible to ensure the facility was ready for the devolution conference, urging them to look forward to a fantastic conference in Eldoret. He added that his Ministry’s biggest dream was an international standard stadium in Eldoret, to reflect the contribution that Uasin Gishu has made to Kenyan Sport.
Commend County Leadership
Part of the works at teh Kip Keino Stadium in Eldoret
On his part, PS Tum thanked the County leadership for the collaboration and personnel provision, that helped in supervising the project jointly with the national government.
He commended CS Ababu for showing great interest in the success of the facility. “You have had your fingers on this project and your eyes so closely to monitor every happening here. This has ensured that today we can proudly say that we have real light at the end of the tunnel.”
Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Sports Lucy Njoroge conveyed the county government’s gratitude to the ministry for the efforts they have put in to ensure that the Kipchoge Keino Stadium was ready to host the games for the Devolution Conference.
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