Kipchoge Keino Stadium
Kipchoge Keino Stadium is a multi-purpose sports venue located in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Named after legendary Olympic athlete Kipchoge Keino, it serves as a hub for football and athletics in the Rift Valley region. The stadium plays a key role in local sports development and forms part of Kenya’s preparations to host major international events.
| Full name | Kipchoge Keino Stadium |
| Location | Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, Kenya |
| Capacity | 10,000 (expansion to 15,000–16,000 planned) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Built/Renovated | 1982; renovation began 2007, ongoing expansion since 2017 |
History
Named after Olympic gold medallist Kipchoge Keino in 1996, the stadium began as a modest facility used by local football teams like Rivatex and Eldoret KCC. By 2007, it had fallen into disrepair and the Kenyan government allocated KSh 100 million for upgrades, aiming to provide modern amenities and facilities. A second major renovation phase began around 2017 and remains ongoing.
Architecture and Capacity
The stadium sits at high altitude (~2,100–2,700 m), making Eldoret ideal for athletic training . It currently holds approximately 10,000 spectators, with planned upgrades increasing capacity to between 15,000 and 16,000 and introducing new terraces, canopy coverings, VIP sections, fixed seating, and improved aesthetics.
Sporting Events
- Hosts local athletics meetings and was the site of the 2016 Athletics Kenya Olympic Trials.
- Used by local football clubs including Rivatex and Eldoret KCC, though no Uasin Gishu team currently plays in the Premier League.
- Included among venues for AFCON 2027 preparations, requiring upgrades to international standards.
Cultural and Social Events
The stadium is also used for community gatherings, public fitness events, and regional ceremonies, reflecting its importance as a civic space.
Significance for Kenya
As one of the few high-altitude venues in the country, it plays a crucial role in athletic preparation. Its expansion supports plans to decentralize sports infrastructure and strengthen Kenya’s position in hosting continental competitions.
Renovations
- 2007: Government allocation of KSh 100 million to address disrepair and add basic amenities.
- 2017–present: Ongoing renovation stages, including structural upgrades, VIP areas, terracing, lighting, drainage, and seating. Expansion targets AFCON 2027 standards, with stage one financed (~KSh 1.16 billion) but delayed due to funding gaps.
Facilities
- Football pitch: Grass surface with drainage upgrades.
- Athletics track: Standard track used extensively for training and competitions.
- VIP/VVIP areas: New skyboxes and canopies under development.
- Lighting: Planned installation of floodlights to support evening events.
Trivia
- Situated at one of the highest sports venue altitudes globally, benefiting endurance training .
- Named to honour Kipchoge Keino, who later championed its renovation and development.
- Construction setbacks prompted scrutiny by a parliamentary sports committee and calls for improved funding.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kipchoge_Keino_Stadium
- https://worldathletics.org
- https://constructionreviewonline.com/news/kipchoge-keino-stadium-upgrade-project
- https://nation.africa
