Ruto Promises Full Canopy at Kipchoge Keino Stadium Ahead of AFCON 2027

President William Ruto has pledged to complete the installation of a full canopy at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret within the coming months, as Kenya intensifies preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ruto made the announcement on Tuesday, October 20, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at the stadium in Uasin Gishu County.

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

The commitment comes as the government works to improve sports infrastructure ahead of the continental football tournament, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

The planned canopy is among the outstanding improvements at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which is expected to support the country’s preparations for the competition.

Ruto said the government was investing in sports facilities to help Kenya attract major international events instead of relying primarily on sending its athletes to compete abroad.

The President also highlighted the potential of improved sports infrastructure to nurture local talent, create opportunities for young people and strengthen Kenya’s position as a sporting destination.

Kipchoge Keino Stadium is among the facilities being considered for AFCON 2027 preparations. However, its suitability for specific tournament duties depends on the necessary technical assessments and compliance with the required standards.

In August 2026, a technical delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspected the stadium as part of wider assessments of facilities that could support the tournament.

The inspections covered potential match venues, training grounds, accommodation, medical services and other supporting infrastructure in Eldoret.

The canopy pledge therefore comes as the government faces the task of completing outstanding works and ensuring that facilities earmarked for the tournament meet the required standards.

During the Mashujaa Day celebrations, the stadium hosted national festivities attended by the President and other government officials. The event also featured performances by schoolchildren and a parade.

Ruto said other sports facilities in the North Rift region were also expected to make progress in the coming months.

They include Kipchoge Stadium in Kapsabet, Nandi County, and Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. The President said he had recently inspected the projects and expected them to be completed within the stated period.

The developments form part of wider government efforts to improve sporting facilities across the country, although several projects remain at different stages of construction and renovation.

According to information presented during an October 6 Senate committee meeting, renovation works at Nyayo National Stadium had stalled after a contractor stopped working over an outstanding payment of KSh984 million.

The contract was valued at KSh1.184 billion, but only KSh200 million had been paid, leaving a substantial balance and key works outstanding.

The delays have raised concerns about the pace of stadium upgrades as Kenya prepares for AFCON 2027, with the government facing pressure to ensure that facilities intended for the tournament are ready on time.

Beyond the continental football competition, Ruto also pointed to other major sporting investments, including the construction of Raila Odinga International Stadium and planned upgrades at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

These projects are intended to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to host major international sporting events, including the 2029 World Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Nairobi.

The championships will mark a significant milestone for African athletics, with Nairobi set to become the first African city to host the global event.

For Eldoret and the wider North Rift region, completing Kipchoge Keino Stadium’s outstanding works could improve the area’s capacity to host sporting activities and provide better facilities for athletes.

However, the immediate priority remains turning the President’s commitment into completed construction works while meeting the technical requirements for AFCON 2027.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Kipchoge Keino Stadium and the other facilities identified by the government are ready for their intended roles in Kenya’s expanding sports programme.