Ruto Makes Fresh Promise on Eldoret Stadium Ahead of 2027 AFCON

President William Ruto has pledged to install a full canopy at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret in the coming months as Kenya intensifies preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ruto made the announcement on Tuesday, October 20, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at the stadium, which is among the facilities earmarked to support the continental football tournament.

“I commit that this very stadium will be completed with a full canopy in the coming months,” the President said.

The planned upgrade is expected to improve the facility as the government works to prepare sports infrastructure for the competition, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Ruto said Kenya needed to move beyond sending athletes to compete internationally and instead invest in facilities capable of attracting major sporting events.

Kipchoge Keino Stadium is being considered for AFCON-related activities, including team training, although its suitability will depend on meeting the required standards following the relevant assessments.

In August, a technical delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspected the stadium while assessing potential match venues, training grounds and supporting facilities in Eldoret.

The President’s announcement comes as the government undertakes construction and renovation works across 33 stadiums at different stages of development, with some projects experiencing delays and financial challenges.

Nyayo National Stadium is among the facilities facing difficulties. During a Senate committee meeting on October 6, officials disclosed that renovation works had stalled after a contractor stopped working over an outstanding payment of Ksh984 million.

Only Ksh200 million had been paid against the Ksh1.184 billion contract, leaving several works incomplete ahead of the stadium’s planned use as an AFCON training venue.

Ruto also said Kipchoge Stadium in Kapsabet, Nandi County, and Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, were expected to be completed in the coming months.

He linked the projects to efforts to nurture sporting talent and expand opportunities for athletes.

The government is also constructing Raila Odinga International Stadium and upgrading Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, ahead of the 2029 World Athletics Championships, which Nairobi is set to host as the first African city to stage the event.

https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/128725-kipchoge-keino-stadium-get-canopy-ahead-2027-afcon-ruto-says

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