Government Finally Gives Greenlight For Construction of Ksh 290 Million Stadium in Nakuru to Honor Faith Kipyegon

The project, which is set to honor Faith Kipyegon, was relaunched on Tuesday, 14 October, during a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.

One year since her supposed statue erected in the middle of Eldoret City sparked public outrage that enforced it to be taken down, Faith Kipyegon is finally set to be honored in style, as after a decade of false starts,  the long-delayed construction of Olenguruone Stadium in Kuresoi South, Nakuru County, is finally set to resume.

The project, valued at Ksh 290 million, was relaunched on Tuesday, October 14, during a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.

Initially launched in 2012, the stadium stalled soon after commencement despite the initial contractor having received Ksh 73 million. For years, the incomplete facility stood as a symbol of neglect in a region famed for producing world-beating athletes.

Governor Kihika confirmed that all necessary documentation and approvals have now been finalized, paving the way for the project’s implementation through a partnership between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Nakuru County Government.

“The new Olenguruone Stadium will be a modern, multi-sport facility that supports athletics, football, and indoor games,” said Kihika.

 “Once completed, it will be named in honour of Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon, one of Kuresoi’s greatest daughters.”

The redesigned stadium will feature a 3,000-seat modern pavilion, upgraded drainage, a running track, and expanded training amenities. Additional works will increase total spectator capacity to around 4,000.

KDF To Preside Over Construction

According to CS Tuya, KDF engineers will handle supervision and quality assurance to ensure that the facility meets international standards and is completed on schedule.

“The KDF will not be taking up casual jobs,” Tuya clarified. “Those opportunities will go to local youth and residents of Kuresoi to ensure the project benefits the community directly.”

When complete, the stadium will host competitions across various disciplines including football, athletics, swimming, volleyball, basketball, boxing, karate, tennis, and rugby.

Kuresoi has long been a cradle of distance running talent, having produced stars such as Jackline Chepkoech, the 2022 Commonwealth Games steeplechase gold medallist; Geoffrey Kirui, the 2017 World Marathon champion; and Richard Mateelong, the 2008 Olympic steeplechase bronze medallist.

Despite its incomplete state, the venue has continued to host grassroots football clubs like Umoja Kaplamai, Kimugul, Mau, Kiptarakon, Keringet, and Kiplelchi, though persistent drainage issues from nearby trading centres have hampered playability during the rainy season.

The project’s revival comes alongside renewed efforts to operationalize the Keringet High Altitude Sports Academy, whose appraisal report has been approved by the county and national governments. The twin developments are expected to transform Kuresoi into a regional sports hub, boosting youth development and local economic activity.