President William Ruto says the Eldoret stadium will receive a full canopy in the coming months as Kenya steps up preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania.
President William Ruto has pledged to complete the installation of a full canopy at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret as the government accelerates efforts to prepare sports facilities for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at the stadium on Tuesday, October 20, the President said the facility would be upgraded in the coming months as part of Kenya’s broader plans to strengthen its sporting infrastructure and attract major international competitions.
“I commit that this very stadium will be completed with a full canopy in the coming months,” Ruto stated.
The commitment comes as the government works to improve stadiums and supporting facilities ahead of the continental football tournament, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania in 2027.
Ruto said the investments were intended to position Kenya as a destination for international sporting events while providing better facilities for local athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium undergoes AFCON assessment
Kipchoge Keino Stadium is among the facilities being considered as part of Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027, although its final suitability for specific tournament duties depends on meeting the required standards and assessments.
The stadium appeared incomplete during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, with the President’s announcement highlighting the remaining work needed to improve the facility.
In August, a technical delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspected the stadium as part of wider assessments of potential match venues and training facilities for the tournament.
The inspection also covered supporting infrastructure in Eldoret, including accommodation, medical services and other facilities necessary to host teams and officials.
Meeting the required standards will be critical if the stadium is to secure a formal role in the tournament.
A completed canopy would be a significant addition to the facility, improving spectator protection from the weather and enhancing the stadium’s overall infrastructure.
Ruto promises completion of other stadium projects
During his address, the President also pointed to ongoing developments at Kipchoge Stadium in Kapsabet, Nandi County, and Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Ruto said the two facilities, which he had recently inspected, were also expected to be completed in the coming months.
The projects form part of the government’s wider investment in sporting infrastructure, with the administration seeking to expand opportunities for athletes while improving venues for national and international competitions.
The President said such investments would help nurture sporting talent and create opportunities for young people seeking to pursue careers in sports.
Kenya has a strong reputation in international athletics, particularly in middle- and long-distance running, but preparations for AFCON 2027 have also placed football infrastructure under greater scrutiny.
Nyayo Stadium renovation faces funding challenges
The commitments come amid concerns over delays affecting some of the country’s stadium construction and renovation projects.
During a Senate committee meeting on October 6, officials reported that renovation works at Nyayo National Stadium had stalled after a contractor stopped work over an outstanding payment of KSh984 million.
The renovation contract was valued at KSh1.184 billion, but only KSh200 million had reportedly been paid, leaving a substantial balance outstanding.
The delays have raised questions about the timely completion of facilities earmarked for use during the AFCON preparations.
The challenges highlight the importance of ensuring that stadium projects receive adequate funding and are completed within their planned timelines.
For Kenya, meeting tournament requirements will involve more than improving playing surfaces and installing canopies. Facilities must also satisfy applicable standards for spectators, players, media, security and other essential services.
Kenya prepares for major international sporting events
Beyond AFCON 2027, Ruto highlighted other major sports infrastructure projects, including the construction of Raila Odinga International Stadium and upgrades at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The investments are also linked to preparations for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, which Nairobi is scheduled to host. The event would make Nairobi the first African city to host the championships.
The government has presented the projects as part of a broader effort to strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional and international sporting hub.
However, the success of these ambitions will depend on the timely completion of construction works, adequate financing and compliance with international standards.
For Eldoret and the wider North Rift region, improvements to Kipchoge Keino Stadium could provide a boost to local sports development while increasing the area’s capacity to host major competitions.
Ruto’s latest pledge sets an important target for the facility, but the stadium’s eventual role in AFCON 2027 will depend on the progress of the remaining works and the outcome of the relevant assessments.
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