The ongoing modernisation of Kipchoge Keino Stadium is raising hopes among Eldoret residents, who say the project will not only transform sports in the region but also create new economic opportunities for local businesses while restoring the city’s status as the “Home of Champions.
During an inspection of the facility, officials from the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Defence expressed confidence that construction is progressing steadily and remains on schedule.
The delegation led by Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi and his Defence counterpart Patrick Mariru reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the facility within the agreed timelines to support Kenya’s hosting of the Mashujaa Day celebrations and preparations for co-hosting AFCON 2027.
Residents around the construction site praised the steady progress of the works, expressing optimism that the upgraded facility will provide world-class training grounds for athletes and stimulate business activity once completed.
Collins Kibet, a resident of Eldoret currently seeking employment, said the new stadium will offer athletes better facilities and inspire them to train more effectively.
“Right now, many athletes have no choice but to train along the roads because they cannot access the stadium. Once this project is complete, they will have a proper place to train instead of running on busy streets,” he said.
Kibet urged athletes to remain patient as construction continues, noting that the visible progress shows the project is moving in the right direction.
“They should keep watching the progress. In the next few months, they will have better facilities than before. Even ordinary residents like me will have a place to exercise and keep fit.”
His sentiments reflect the anticipation among local residents, many of whom believe the stadium will strengthen Eldoret’s reputation as Kenya’s athletics powerhouse while encouraging more people to embrace sports and healthy living.
For local entrepreneur Mary Akinyi, the expanded stadium represents a major business opportunity. Operating a small food hotel near the construction site, Akinyi currently serves construction workers and nearby traders but expects customer numbers to rise significantly once the stadium opens.
“When people start coming to the stadium, I know I will have many more customers. Whether they are athletes, officials or visitors, they will need food, and I will be ready to serve them,” she said.
Akinyi recalled how the area has transformed over the years, describing land that was once largely unused before evolving into the expansive sports complex now taking shape.
She said the stadium’s expansion required her to relocate her business slightly to create more space for the development, a move she willingly accepted because of the long-term benefits.
“When they asked me to move so the stadium could become bigger, I agreed. A modern stadium needs enough space for spectators, parking and other facilities. The bigger it becomes, the better for everyone,” she said.
She also dismissed claims that construction had stalled, saying work has continued consistently since the project began.
Residents believe the upgraded stadium will reinforce Eldoret’s identity as the “Home of Champions” by providing athletes with facilities that match their global achievements while attracting competitions, visitors and investment to the city.
