Afraha stadium set to be refurbished

Afraha Stadium in Nakuru will be unavailable for use for a period not less than fourteen months after the County Government of Nakuru handed over the facility to a contractor for an upgrade that is projected to cost Ksh 650 million.

The contractor is under instruction to increase Afraha’ seating capacity from the current 8,200 to 20,000. The facility should also meet international standards when work is completed.

The first phase of the project will be complete in 14 months according to the County Government of Nakuru. The upgrade that will see the stadium house all sporting disciplines and a convention center will be done in phases over five years.

Governor Lee Kinyanjui's administration seeks to place Nakuru County as premier sports and conferencing destination. He said the upgrade would nurture local sporting talents and at the same time earn the County revenue from sports tourism and conventions.

The stadium opened its doors in 1948 and is home to the 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2010 Kenyan Premier League champions Ulinzi Stars. During the handover ceremony, County Minister for Land, Housing and Physical Planning, Mr Joseph Kiuna said local youth would provide labour.

He warned the contractor against carrying out substandard works and unnecessary delays in project implementation process. Governor Lee's administration is has secured a parcel of land at Keringet in Kuresoi South sub-County for the construction of an athletics academy.

The County is also rehabilitating Gilgil, Molo, Rongai, Kamukunji Sports Grounds among others. The County is also reclaiming grabbed stadiums. Present at the handover ceremony were Chief Officers Judyleah Waihenya -Physical Planning and Dr William Migwe, - Sports, Director for Sports Alice Gekonde, Nakuru Municipal Project Manager Mr Peter Gitau, Project Coordinator Justin Mayaka among others.