The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) has formally taken over supervision and implementation of two major development projects in Nandi County after a groundbreaking ceremony. The Ministry of Defence will now oversee the construction of a new block at Kapsabet County Referral Hospital and the development of the proposed Kipchoge Keino Kapsabet Stadium.

The projects were launched during an event attended by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru. According to a KDF statement on Friday, December 5, 2025, the two facilities are expected to boost healthcare capacity and strengthen the county’s position as a leading athletics hub.

KDF said the hospital expansion will play a crucial role in improving access to specialised services, especially for mothers and children. It noted that the additional infrastructure will ease referrals, expand service delivery and raise the overall standard of care for residents in the region.

Also, KDF highlighted the vision behind the new stadium, describing it as a modern facility meant to nurture rising athletes and stimulate youth development. With Nandi’s long-standing reputation as the home of champions, the stadium is expected to offer a world-class training and competition environment while also creating economic opportunities around sports.

During the ceremony, CS Tuya delivered the Ministry’s message on its involvement in the projects.

“Speaking during the ceremony, Tuya reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) unwavering commitment to supporting projects of national importance in line with the directive of the President and Commander-in-Chief, William Ruto, who tasked the Ministry with assisting through its secondary mandate. She emphasised that MoD, through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), will provide full oversight and supervision to ensure the two projects are completed to the highest standards, within budget, and within the stipulated timelines,” the statement reads

CS Soipan Tuya appreciated the community’s commitment, saying the project will transform the county’s and its environs’ socioeconomic landscape.

“Tuya expressed her appreciation to the local community for their support and assured residents of MoD’s commitment in actualising both projects, which will significantly transform the social and economic landscape of Nandi County and its environs,” the statement reads

Governor Sang, according to KDF, also pledged the county’s unwavering cooperation as construction begins.

“On his part, Governor Sang assured MoD leadership of the county’s full support in actualising the two projects for the benefit of the local community, bettering their livelihoods and building socio-economic development of the society,” the statement reads

KDF noted that the stadium and hospital block will be implemented jointly with the Ministry of Sports, the Ministry of Health and the Nandi County Government, with the Defence Forces handling the technical supervision to ensure timely completion.