Government provides update on Afraha Stadium renovation [PHOTOS]
Reading Time: 4min | Wed. 08.07.26. | 11:09
The facelift forms part of the government's nationwide sports infrastructure programme aimed at delivering modern facilities that will not only support Kenya's hosting duties during the 2027 AFCON but also leave a lasting legacy for local sports development.
The Kenyan government has provided a fresh update on the ongoing renovation of Afraha Stadium, unveiling an ambitious modernisation programme that is set to elevate the historic Nakuru venue into a world-class sporting facility ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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The latest progress report was shared by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo, who revealed that the stadium is undergoing extensive redevelopment under the implementation of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The facelift forms part of the government's nationwide sports infrastructure programme aimed at delivering modern facilities that will not only support Kenya's hosting duties during the 2027 AFCON but also leave a lasting legacy for local sports development.
Among the headline upgrades is a significant expansion of the stadium's seating capacity. Afraha, which currently accommodates approximately 8,200 spectators, will be expanded to between 13,000 and 15,000 seats during the intermediate phases of construction, with a long-term vision of increasing capacity to 20,000.
Beyond increasing spectator numbers, the project encompasses a comprehensive overhaul of the facility.
Works currently underway include the construction of modern pavilions, installation of high-mast floodlights to facilitate night matches, development of an all-weather Tartan athletics track, upgrading the football pitch to meet competitive international standards, construction of secure parking facilities and modernisation of sanitation infrastructure.
Explaining the significance of the project, Omollo said the government was making substantial investments in sports infrastructure as part of preparations for the continental tournament.
"The Government is making significant investments in modern sports infrastructure across the country to upgrade facilities that will host matches and serve as training venues during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
As part of these preparations, the iconic Afraha Stadium in Nakuru is undergoing an extensive modernisation programme being implemented by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to transform it into a world-class sporting facility.
The upgrade includes the expansion of spectator capacity from the current 8,200 to between 13,000 and 15,000 in the intermediate phases, with a long-term target of 20,000 seats.
The works also cover the construction of modern pavilions, installation of high-mast floodlights for night matches, development of an all-weather Tartan athletics track, enhancement of the football pitch to competitive standards, provision of secure parking and improvement of sanitation facilities.
Upon completion, the facility will strengthen Nakuru's status as a regional sports hub, nurture local talent and stimulate sports tourism and economic growth.
The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration continues to support the project through security coordination and inter-agency collaboration and will play a key role in ensuring the effective management, protection and sustainability of the facility for the benefit of the region and beyond."
The latest phase builds on an earlier redevelopment project undertaken under Phase One, which was financed through the World Bank-supported Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) at a cost of Ksh650 million.
That initial investment laid the foundation for the current modernisation by delivering key structural improvements, including rehabilitation of the playing surface and drainage system, construction of the main pavilion, development of an athletics track, upgrading spectator terraces, and installation of modern facilities for teams, match officials and the media.
Although the government did not disclose the financial value of the ongoing phase of works, the scale of the project points to one of the most comprehensive stadium upgrades currently underway in the country.
Once complete, Afraha Stadium is expected to reclaim its place among Kenya's premier sporting venues while significantly boosting Nakuru's reputation as a regional sports destination capable of hosting major football and athletics competitions.
For decades, the stadium has been one of the country's most recognisable football venues, regularly staging FKF Premier League matches and served as the home ground of four-time Kenyan champions Ulinzi Stars.
However, competitive football has been absent from the venue for more than five years following the commencement of redevelopment works.
The last FKF Premier League fixture played at Afraha came on January 30, 2021, when Ulinzi Stars and KCB settled for a goalless draw before the stadium was closed to pave the way for renovation.
Afraha's modernisation is part of a broader nationwide infrastructure drive as Kenya races to prepare for the 2027 AFCON, which it will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Across the country, several stadium projects are progressing simultaneously, including the construction of the 10,000-seater Migori Stadium, upgrades at Thika Stadium, Moi Stadium Kisumu and Kericho Green Stadium, as well as ongoing works at the 14,000-seater Gusii Stadium.
The flagship project remains the nearly completed 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga Stadium, which is expected to be one of the principal venues for the continental showpiece.
Collectively, the projects underline the government's determination to transform Kenya's sporting infrastructure to international standards while creating facilities capable of nurturing talent, attracting investment and positioning the country as a leading destination for major sporting events in Africa.