Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba returned to Eldoret to inspect the progress of renovation works at Kipchoge Keino Stadium and he was pleased.
Ababu, who was accompanied by Eng. Peter Tum, the Sports PS, however, stressed that the same tempo of work must be kept for the facility to stage Devolution Conference Games in ten days’ time.
“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. A couple of weeks down the line, I must say that we have made real progress,” Ababu said.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium, alongside Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums have been earmarked to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under the EA PAMOJA BID.
Nyayo was also closed recently to allow for its renovation. Last week, a team from CAF, the Confederation of African Football, inspected the three facilities.
On the condition of the Kipchoge Keino 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 CS Ababu.
Named after legendary pioneer long distance runner, Kipchoge Keino, Ababu underscored the need for it to reflect the high status of the person named after it.
“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 legends. This is a legend of legends and a stadium named after this great legend must be of a stature that reflects the legend.”
