State to construct modern stadium in Nandi

Kapsabet,

Tuesday October 10, 2023,

KNA by Linet Wafula

Sports fraternity in Nandi County can breathe a sigh of relief following the move by the National Government to put up a multimillion modern stadium in Kapsabet town to nurture talents among locals.

The announcement made through a local newspaper by Sports Kenya advertising the tender for the construction of ‘Eliud Kipchoge Stadium’ in Kapsabet town with the interested bidders expected to return their documents on October 26.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang said the county government had set aside the required land and processed expeditiously the necessary documents and approvals for the projects. 

Speaking at Kapsabet showground after inspecting the ground, the governor thanked the county leadership under the guidance of Head of Public Service Mr Felix Koskei and local MPs whose collective efforts had hastened the realisation of the project. 

“Nandi, famed as the cradle of champions is happy to host the facility. We thank the national government and all stakeholders for their tireless dedication to this endeavour,” he said. 

The stadium once complete will enable the county to produce professional sportsmen and women who would be able to join local and international clubs to earn a living.

At present, North Rift region has no proper public stadium, yet Kenyan athletes who are the Country’s best ambassador abroad because of their prowess, lack a decent place to train.

Renovation of Kipchoge Keino stadium by the Nandi County Government stalled in its initial stages5 years ago after the national government failed to disburse the money.

Athletes have been using footpaths in tea plantations for speed training because they are well maintained and others are forced to travel about 15 kilometers from Kapsabet to the University of East Africa, Baraton.

The stadium situated at Kapsabet town is historical to the county having been named after one of the greatest Kenyan athlete, Kipchoge Keino who used the field as his springboard to greatness in the late 1960’s and 70’s. 

Athletes have welcomed the move saying the establishment of the stadium will boost the region economically and help nurture sports talent

They noted that most sporting facilities in the region have stalled and turned to eyesores, putting to shame areas that have produced the highest number of top athletes, who continue to rank in the medals

“Most young athletes continue to struggle as they lack basic training facilities such as running tracks, physiotherapy and gym among others to prepare them for major competition,” said Elijah Koech upcoming athlete.

Courtesy; KNA