Sportsmen and sportswomen in Nakuru City have protested the proposed change of use of Afraha Stadium Annex pitch into a residential area.
Hundreds of sports lovers and the residents of Nakuru chanted “no Afraha, no peace, no joy “in the protest on Tuesday that started at the Afraha ground where the County Government of Nakuru intends to construct affordable housing units.
Afraha Stadium annex field on June 16, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
The protest was sparked by a post on the county’s Facebook page on Friday stating: “The County government of Nakuru has reaffirmed its commitment to affordable housing development as County Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Development Kamau Kuria conducted an official inspection of the site earmarked for the upcoming social Housing project,” with pictures of officials touring the Afraha ground.
The post further stated: “The upcoming social housing project, part of the national Affordable Housing Programme, is expected to deliver low-cost housing units targeting low and middle-income earners in the county. It will also create jobs, enhance infrastructure, and improve urban planning within the region.”
Residents replied to the post, criticising the move. The post was pulled down on the same day.
An official in the county who did not want to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the press said a public hearing on the matter will be conducted but did not indicate the venue and time.
Veterans Social Football Club players train at Afraha Stadium annex field on June 16, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
A sports lover from Njoro sub-county, Dickson Ogari, said: “We’re worried because Afraha Annex is supposed to be part of the proposed Afraha Stadium complex and if its use is converted into housing units, the growing number of sportsmen and women who use this space will suffer irreparable damage and their careers will end prematurely.
He added: “This is a slap on the face of the youths in this county. Afraha Stadium is a green space, and any attempt to change the user will not be accepted by the sportsmen and women of this county and beyond.
“Our dreams as sportsmen are to see our children and great-grandchildren use this pitch to develop their God-given talents.”
Mercy Achieng’ representing women and youth stated: “Afraha Stadium has been inactive for more than four years and the county wants to convert it into a commercial use without seeking approval from stakeholders who are sportsmen and women. We shall not allow this to happen. The county has failed to pass the Sports Act, and we shall not tolerate it.”
Victor Ngatia, a resident, said: “World beaters like Faith Kipyegon sharpen their skills at Afraha Stadium Annex, and if it is allowed to change its use, many more budding talents will be affected.”
Veterans Social Football Club players train at Afraha Stadium annex field on June 16, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
James Mbugua, who is representing people with disability in a committee that is pushing for the speedy completion of Afraha Stadium, said the pitch is used by the sitting volleyball team in the county.
“Afraha Stadium is our legacy and heritage. The subsequent regimes led by President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta did not interfere with this pitch. Why is the county using the Afraha Stadium Annex land for affordable housing while there are many idle lands in the 11 sub-counties?” posed Mbugua.
John Githanga, a resident of Nakuru City, said: “Afraha Stadium Annex has been earmarked for the expansion of Afraha Stadium for the construction of modern volleyball, swimming and indoor games, and it would be wrong to change its use to a social housing programme.”
A volleyball coach, Geoffrey Esebwe, said: “I have more than 50 budding volleyballers who use this pitch and I wonder where they will train if it is converted into a housing project.”
A football administrator in Nakuru West, Robert Maeri, stated:“ Afraha Stadium Annex is a talent-searching pitch. This pitch is critical for warm-up during international matches, and therefore we shall not allow it to be converted into a housing project.”
Veterans Social Football Club players train at Afraha Stadium annex field on June 16, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation
He said the county, FKF National Super League and other football competitions use the ground as they are not able to pay for Afraha Stadium.
“Afraha Stadium is a recreational facility and should not be interfered with, and we shall not allow housing near Afraha Stadium,” said Maeri.
Youth coach Hassan Hussein said: “Sportsmen and women are ready to defend the pitch. We shall not allow this project to continue under our watch. It beats logic to start such a housing project next to a historical pitch like Afraha Stadium.”
