Kipchoge Keino Stadium to Be Renamed William Ruto Stadium, Says Governor Sang.
Eugine Wabwile
2 min read
TANDAO MEDIA
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has announced that the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Kapsabet will be renamed William Ruto Stadium upon completion of its ongoing reconstruction.
Speaking during the official opening of the new Kapsabet Municipality offices on December 8, Governor Sang said the name change aims to resolve persistent logistical confusion caused by the existence of another stadium with the same name in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.“Because we have Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret and ours is also named Kipchoge Keino, we decided to change ours to William Ruto Stadium here in Kapsabet,” Sang explained.
“Sometimes a project meant for Nandi ends up in Eldoret because of the identical names.”The governor credited President William Ruto for championing the stadium’s redevelopment, citing his administration’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure across the country.
Sang noted that naming the facility after the president was a gesture of appreciation for his role in securing funding and support for the project.“We’ve heard of Moi Stadium and Raila Odinga Stadium. We will name ours William Ruto Stadium because he has done the construction job for us,” Sang said.The stadium’s upgrade is part of President Ruto’s broader pledge to deliver 25 new or modernized stadiums nationwide by 2027.
The initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to empower youth through sports and the creative economy.Under the “Talanta Hela” program, the government aims to monetize talent and create sustainable livelihoods by providing world-class facilities that nurture athletic and artistic potential. The program also aligns with Kenya’s ambition to host major international events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and to position the country as a continental sports hub.
The new stadium in Kapsabet, currently under construction at the Kapsabet Showground, will feature a 10,000-seat capacity and modern amenities designed to meet international standards. It is expected to boost local employment during construction and stimulate economic growth through sports tourism and related industries.The renaming of the stadium is pending formal approval and is expected to take effect upon the project’s completion.
