Eldoret: The Government Delivery Unit Ag. Head Sitati Olando has commended the pace of the ongoing works on the upgrade and completion of the iconic sports facility, Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
According to Kenya News Agency, Olando was speaking at a meeting with stakeholders at Kipchoge Stadium, including SinoHydro Construction Company, Ministry of Defence, Sports Ke, County representation, and the NGAOs. The meeting was part of a field verification visit to inspect various priority government facilities across the North Rift region, such as affordable housing, roads, and water. He praised the contractor for achieving progress despite adverse weather challenges.
The construction works are currently at 18 percent completion. The contractor, under supervision from the Ministry of Defence, assured a fast-tracking of substantial structures once excavations and support beam erection are complete. The main upgrade works are set to be complete by December 2026, but Olando stated they have agreed with the contractor to ensure readiness by August 2026 to allow the FIFA team to conduct approvals. This facility is a key sports venue in the area and is expected to serve as one of the AFCON 2027 venues.
Olando also mentioned additional scopes of work not included in the initial contract, such as the tartan track and football pitch, which are required by FIFA standards. He asked the contractor to provide estimates for these additional works to make timely arrangements.
Lt. Itobi Philip from the Ministry of Defence, overseeing the upgrade and construction works, explained that the major task involves increasing the stadium capacity from the previous 10,000 to 15,671 seats. The demolition of the north and south terraces is underway to accommodate more people, with the excavation on the north side at 95 percent and the south side at 60 percent.
The renovations include the demolition of the old structure and the construction of a new facility to meet CAF and World Athletics international standards. These upgrades are part of Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The project is a collaboration between the Kenyan government, the Ministry of Defence, and contractors like Sinohydro Corporation.
The key scopes of work include a seating capacity upgrade to more than 15,000, installation of a modern tartan running track, and a pitch suitable for both athletics and football events. This involves structural demolition and construction for a completely new, modern stadium design, including new terraces, columns, and a perimeter wall.
The upgrades will feature ancillary facilities such as new changing rooms, a conference hall, an indoor games hall, and improved parking areas. The facility will meet international standards with state-of-the-art amenities, including standard lighting for evening events.