Nakuru: The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) has formally taken over construction of the Olenguruone Stadium in Nakuru County, thirteen years after the project stalled. Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones announced that the KDF would now proceed with necessary processes to continue the construction after a comprehensive site inspection.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy Governor Kones expressed the County government's support for the intervention, emphasizing that completing the stadium would inspire hope and ignite passion among the surrounding communities, especially the youth eager to engage in sports and talent development. The stadium, located in Kuresoi South Sub-County, began construction in 2012 with an initial contract sum of Sh290,643,600, but stalled after a contractor was awarded Sh73 million.
During a reconnaissance visit by a KDF team led by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Githehu, Deputy Governor Kones commended President Ruto's intervention in mobilizing the military's skills to ensure the project's completion. He stated that the stadium had officially been handed over to the military for redesign and completion following an appeal by Governor Susan Kihika to the President. The redesign aims to increase the stadium's capacity, and a new contractor will be identified to work alongside the KDF to resume construction promptly.
Kones highlighted the County government's commitment to building and upgrading sports facilities across 11 Sub-Counties, with a significant focus on renovating the dilapidated Afraha Stadium. The upgrade of these facilities is intended to enhance residents' access to modern sports venues necessary for quality talent development and exposure. The facilities are being designed to provide international sports arenas capable of hosting major national and international events, thereby attracting revenue and creating employment opportunities for Nakuru County residents.
Deputy Governor Kones emphasized the government's responsibility to provide opportunities for youth to nurture and exploit their potential. He mentioned that the County administration has established a working relationship with the National Land Commission (NLC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to repossess all grabbed public amenities intended for such developments. Additionally, the county is fast-tracking the construction of sports facilities across the 11 sub-counties, with more funding allocated through supplementary budgets and future financial estimates.
Kones noted that good infrastructure would enable youth to nurture and showcase their sporting talents through tournaments, keeping them away from negative influences. Once completed, the facilities will host various sports, including football, swimming, volleyball, boxing, karate, basketball, tennis, rugby, and athletics competitions. The Nakuru County government hopes that these multi-million sporting infrastructure projects will promote sports in the region and improve revenue collection through sports tourism.