After more than a decade of abandonment, Olenguruone Stadium, situated in Kuresoi South, Nakuru County, is set to come alive again.
This follows a takeover by the Kenya Defence Forces in conjunction with Nakuru County Government, with its construction set to resume.
The Sh290 million project was launched in 2012, but five years later, in 2017, with little to show for it at the ground level, the contractor had abandoned the site, despite having initially received Sh73 million.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Governor Susan Kihika said that the project is not just about the construction of a stadium but the restoration of hope, empowerment and opportunity for the youth.
The project, which aimed to provide a state-of-the-art sports facility to the people of Olenguruone, was to be completed by the end of 2014.
A man stands by two abandoned earth movers at Olenguruone stadium in Kuresoi South constituency, Nakuru county whose construction has stalled for the last six years for lack of funds, in this photo taken on April 04, 2023.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation Media Group
However, the promise was not fulfilled, and in 2016, the contractor abandoned the site, leaving the project incomplete.
“For nearly 13 long years, our youth have lacked a proper facility to train, compete or host community event, for the years, potential champions ran on dusty village paths, the absence of a modern arena stifling talent, limiting community participation and hindering the potential of generation, for 13 years we waited. But today we say no more waiting, abandonment and unfulfilled promise,” she said
The Governor said that after taking the matter to the highest office, on June 11, President William Ruto, during a meeting in State House, issued a presidential directive tasking the KDF with the revival of the project and reconstruction of the stadium.
The state-of-the-art multi-purpose stadium will not just be a pitch or a track, as it will comprise a standard football pitch and running track, facilities for events like javelin, shot put and long jump. Indoor games courts for sports like table tennis, volleyball and handball, a modern pavilion with all amenities, a changing room, an ablution block, adequate parking, a borehole, a water tank for suitability and provision for future expansion.
A man walks near a heap of soil excavated and dumped at a corner at Olenguruone stadium in Kuresoi South constituency, Nakuru county in this photo taken on April 04, 2023.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation Media Group
Once completed, the facility will be named in honour of Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon, who is from the area.
“Lest you forget, Kuresoi South and North are cradles of champions. This is the home of two time Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon and Faith Cherotich the reigning 300 m steeplechase champion,” she said
Defence CS Soipan Tuya said the new stadium is poised to become a hub for nurturing youth talent, promoting sports excellence, and boosting community development.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will also oversee the completion of the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru City, whose Sh650 million renovation has stalled for the last three years.
Sheep grazing by a goal post standing near an excavated wall that has seriously been eroded by storm water depositing soil at Olenguruone stadium's football pitch and athletics track in this photo taken on April 04, 2023.
Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation Media Group
The stadium’s new tartan track was used recently to host the Tokyo Athletics Championships qualifiers.
The ground-breaking ceremony by KDF was scheduled for October 15, but it was postponed following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
