Kipchoge keino Stadium in Eldoret received a boost on Saturday for refurbishment of the facility, the pride of North Rift.
Sports Kenya and Uasin Gishu County signed a memorandum to financed the second phase at a cost of Sh230 million.
Announcing the refurbishment kitty on Saturday at the facility, Sports Kenya Chairman Fred Muteti pointed out that the government was committed in uplifting sporting facilities and the project is part of the other six stadia set to be renovated to international standards in different counties.
This comes at a time when he has signed the same agreements with seven at counties across country.
While signing the memorandum, Muteti pointed out that the second phase will start in a short while.
“The first phase has been completed and now the second phase is set to begin any time soon. As a sporting nation we are focused on improving the sporting facilities and that is why we have partnered with counties in financing the construction of the stadia,” Muteti said.
“Kipchoge stadium is very important in this region owing to the presence of Kenya’s top athletes and several other upcoming ones. Last year it hosted Olympic trials and we want to uplift it,” Muteti added.
According to Uasin Gishu County secretary Peter Lelei, the next phase will be the refurbishment of changing rooms, pavilion, terraces, and parking bay among other facilities.
“Everything is ready and after signing this MOU, construction works will start immediately. We have seen the facility host major events and the region has also benefited in sports tourism since it is among the two tracks with tartan outside Nairobi,” Lelei said.
Chief Officer in charge of Sports in the county Eunice Kerich urged athletes who wish to train at the stadium to do so on request in order to monitor its maintenance.
“This facility belongs to athletes and I want to urge them to use it upon request because we also want to maintain the track to make sure the tartan is taken care of. We are happy that we are makig strides in facelifting our sporting facilities,” Kerich said.
Sports Kenya Secretary Ann Kanuche was also present at the signing ceremony held at Kipchoge stadium.