Kipchoge Keino Stadium to be the first stadium outside Nairobi city to be rated as international

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has revealed that the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret town will be upgraded to international standards.

The initiative will make Kipchoge Keino Stadium the fourth stadium in the country after Nairobi’s Jamhuri, Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums to be upgraded to international standards. It will also make the stadium the first sports facility to be upgraded to these standards outside Nairobi.

Speaking during a tour of the three international stadiums in Nairobi, Ababu revealed that the Eldoret-based stadium will be fitted with international standard lighting to enable it to host games in the evening. He said though the stadium will retain its original designs, a lot of revamping will be done on it.

“It is a historical moment for Kenya as we unveil these sports and arts infrastructure master plans,” Ababu said.

The CS further revealed that they plan to upgrade all four stadiums in the country as they are trying to lobby for the country to host the African Cup of Nations in 2027.

“This is a long-term investment since we want to host the AFCON 2027. We are doing everything possible to host the AFCON, but if we don’t host the tournament, we will continue with these projects because they are for long-term goodness for the country,” Ababu said.

The CS said the Jamhuri grounds, styled as Talanta Stadium, will be upgraded to have 50,000 seats and a customized stadium. Nyayo Stadium will also be transformed into a green stadium with a 25,000-seat capacity while Kasarani will have lots of revamping with modern standards.

Ababu said all four stadiums will be ready by the end of 2025 and they will all have a new standardized monto tartan.