Ruto Issues New Directive on Kipchoge Keino Stadium During Mashujaa Day Celebrations

President William Ruto has pledged to install a full canopy at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret within the coming months as Kenya steps up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ruto made the announcement on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at the stadium in Uasin Gishu County. He said the government would complete the remaining works as Kenya prepares to co-host the continental football tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

The President assured Kenyans that the stadium would receive the planned roofing structure, signalling the government’s intention to accelerate improvements at the facility.

Kipchoge Keino Stadium is among the sports facilities being considered for use during the AFCON 2027 preparations. However, its suitability for the tournament will depend on the necessary technical assessments and compliance with the required standards.

In August, a technical delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) visited Eldoret to inspect the stadium and assess other facilities that could support the competition. The assessment included potential training grounds, accommodation, medical services and other infrastructure needed to host participating teams and officials.

The planned canopy is among the outstanding improvements at Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which was still visibly incomplete during the Mashujaa Day celebrations. Completing the work is expected to form part of the government’s wider efforts to prepare the venue for upcoming sporting activities.

Ruto also announced that Kipchoge Stadium in Kapsabet, Nandi County, and Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, were expected to be completed in the coming months. He said he had recently inspected the projects to assess their progress.

The government has been undertaking several stadium construction and renovation projects as Kenya prepares to host major international sporting events. However, some of the projects have encountered delays and funding challenges.

During a Senate committee meeting on October 6, officials reported that renovation work at Nyayo National Stadium had stalled after the contractor stopped working over an outstanding payment of Ksh984 million.

The project has a contract value of Ksh1.184 billion, but only Ksh200 million had been paid at the time of the meeting. The outstanding payment had left key renovation works incomplete, raising concerns about the facility’s readiness for its planned role as an AFCON training venue.

Beyond football, Ruto said investment in sports infrastructure would help nurture local talent and enable Kenya to attract international competitions instead of relying mainly on sending athletes abroad.

He cited the construction of Raila Odinga International Stadium and upgrades at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as part of preparations for the 2029 World Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Nairobi.

The championships are expected to make Nairobi the first African city to host the global athletics event.

The government has linked the stadium projects to efforts to expand opportunities for athletes, improve sports facilities and strengthen Kenya’s capacity to host international competitions.

As preparations for AFCON 2027 continue, the completion of Kipchoge Keino Stadium and other designated facilities will remain important in meeting the infrastructure requirements for the tournament. The venues will need to undergo the necessary assessments before their final roles in the competition can be confirmed.

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