Boost for sports…
By Noah Cheploen, May 7, 2021
Sports enthusiasts in the country have something to smile about after reconstruction of Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium to upgrade it to international standards and the construction of Keringet Sports Academy started in earnest last week.
Speaking when he graced the ground breaking ceremony, Governor Lee Kinyanjui said that the Afraha, which gained prominence in recent years because of the high profile political meetings hosted there, will be upgraded at Sh650 million.
Once completed, the seating capacity will almost double up, moving from the current 8,200 to 14,300; complete with a modern football pitch, running track, changing rooms, parking space and a restaurant among other amenities.
Afraha Stadium is known for historic events including major football matches and significant political rallies, the Governor said.
In 2013 the stadium hosted selected group and knock-out matches of the Council of East and Central Africa (Cecafa) that was held in the country at selected venues.
“This upgrade will attract more sporting events to Nakuru, therefore placing our County as a sports tourism site,” he stated.
He said that the main objective for investing in the stadiums is two-pronged: two promote sports and at the same boost business in the adjacent areas.
“The upgrade is part of our urban renewal program to expand Nakuru from just a one-street Town,” he said, adding that the construction will be completed in 14 months.
Nakuru has in the past produced some of the best footballing stars like John “Mo” Muiruri who plied his trade in Norway.
Others are Zambia based David Owino ‘Calabar’, former Harambee Stars striker Michael Baraza and on form Sofapaka and Harambee Stars midfielder Lawrence Juma just to mention a few.
And, in Kuresoi South, earthmovers were on Wednesday roaring; scooping and moving tonnes of soil as construction of Keringet Sports Academy got underway, stirring up hopes and excitement in an area that has in the past produced world conquering athletes.
Officials from the county toured the area to assess the progress made so far after the contractor moved to the site two weeks ago—to start work—where the first phase is expected to cost Sh124 million.