Revival of Ksh290 million stadium after 13 years of stagnation starts

After more than a decade of inactivity, the long-stalled construction of Olenguruone Stadium in Kuresoi South, Nakuru County, is finally set to resume, marking a major boost for sports development in the region.

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The project, estimated at Ksh290 million, was relaunched on Tuesday, 14 October, during a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya and Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika.

Initially launched in 2012, the stadium stalled shortly after commencement, despite the first contractor having received Ksh73 million.

For years, the incomplete facility stood as an eyesore in a region celebrated for producing world-class athletes.

According to Governor Kihika, all documentation and approvals have now been finalized, allowing the project to move to the implementation stage under a partnership between the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Nakuru County Government.

“The new Olenguruone Stadium will be a modern, multi-sport facility that supports athletics, football, and indoor games,” said Kihika.

“Once completed, it will be named in honour of Olympic and world champion Faith Kipyegon, one of Kuresoi’s greatest daughters.”

CS Tuya noted that the KDF would oversee supervision and quality control to ensure timely completion and adherence to high standards.

“The KDF will not be taking up casual jobs. Those opportunities will go to local youth and residents of Kuresoi,” she stated.

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The redesigned stadium will feature a 3,000-seat modern pavilion, with upgrades to the existing structure adding capacity for another 1,000 spectators.

The resumption of works at Olenguruone coincides with the revival of other regional projects, including the Keringet High Altitude Sports Academy, whose appraisal report has already been approved.

The dual developments are expected to significantly benefit local communities by creating opportunities for sports training, talent development, and youth engagement.

Once completed, the facilities will host competitions in football, athletics, swimming, volleyball, boxing, karate, basketball, tennis, and rugby.

Kuresoi is home to several renowned athletes, including Jackline Chepkoech, the 2022 Commonwealth Games 3,000 m steeplechase gold medalist; Geoffrey Kirui, the 2017 World Marathon champion; and Richard Mateelong, the 2008 Olympic Games steeplechase bronze medalist.

Despite its dilapidated state, Olenguruone Stadium has continued to host local football clubs such as Umoja Kaplamai, Kimugul, Mau, Kiptarakon, Keringet, and Kiplelchi, even as poor drainage from the nearby trading center caused stormwater and debris to flood the grounds.

The Olenguruone revival adds to Kenya’s growing list of stadium projects under construction, including Talanta Sports City, Ithookwe Stadium, Kamariny Stadium, and Ruringu Stadium.

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