Gov’t accelerates sports transformation with new stadium in Nandi

The Government has taken another bold step in modernising Kenya’s sports infrastructure with the groundbreaking of the proposed Kapsabet Kipchoge Keino Stadium, a project that further cements President William Ruto’s vision of elevating Kenya into a First World sporting nation.

At the 12-acre site, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya presided over the ceremony to officially launch construction of the 10,000-seater stadium, which will include a 400-meter mixed-surface track and a standard football pitch.

“The project will play a key role in elevating sports excellence in Nandi County, a region where athletic talent thrives,” CS Tuya said.

“Such a significant investment in sports facilities is aimed at maximising the abundant athletic talent that Kenya is renowned for, ensuring local athletes have world-class infrastructure to develop and excel,” she added.

The facility is designed to harness and develop the exceptional athletic talent that Nandi County, often referred to as the home of champions, is globally known for.

This major investment mirrors the transformative spirit behind Talanta Sports City, the flagship project that has set a new benchmark for stadium development in the country.

Just as Talanta is redefining multisport infrastructure through technology, international standards, and youth-focused innovation, the Kapsabet Stadium extends this momentum to the grassroots, creating a pipeline where local athletes can train, grow, and compete in world-class environments.

The initiative underscores the visionary leadership of the Head of State, whose sports modernisation agenda is reshaping counties through high-quality facilities, job creation, and expanded opportunities for young people.

With Talanta Sports City already at an advanced stage of construction, the commencement of the Kapsabet project signals a synchronised national effort to build a robust sporting ecosystem from the capital to the counties.

Implemented by the Nandi County Government under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces within the Ministry of Defence, the project also aligns with the Government’s universal health coverage agenda by recognising sports as a key driver of physical wellness.

“For our athletes, this will be more than a stadium, it will be a complete high-performance environment. Warm-up areas, an indoor gymnasium, and strength and conditioning rooms will provide the facilities needed to nurture champions,” said Nandi Governor Stephen Sang.

“The design incorporates state-of-the-art LED floodlights with plans for solar integration, ensuring sustainability while enabling night events. Spectators and guests will enjoy VIP and VVIP lounges, hospitality boxes, and a comprehensive media and press centre designed to support high-quality broadcasting and reporting,” he added.

Surrounding the stadium, the Governor noted that the project also includes expanded parking areas, transport hubs, improved access roads, a modern drainage and flood-control system, and enhanced security through CCTV and gated entry points.

“This is not just an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in our youth, our economy, and our identity as a county known for producing world-class athletes,” Governor Sang concluded.

The ceremony brought together senior leaders, including Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei, area MP Hon. Josses Lelmengit, Tinderet MP Hon. Julius Kibiwot Melly, and Brigadier Titus Sokobe, Chief of Infrastructure at the KDF.

Their presence affirmed strong county–national collaboration, essential for the successful delivery and long-term sustainability of the project.

With Talanta Sports City shaping the future of national sports excellence and the Kapsabet Kipchoge Keino Stadium unlocking potential at the grassroots, Kenya is steadily building a unified sports ecosystem that matches global standards and inspires the next generation of champions.