Legendary Keino set to construct multi-million sports complex

The family of retired track and field legend Kipchoge Keino has revealed that they have set aside 75 acres of land at his Kazi Mingi Farm in Eldoret to set up a multi-million sports complex.

According to one of Kipchoge's sons and former athlete Martin Keino, the family was optimistic that the groundbreaking would be done soon, with construction works set to begin next year. He also pointed out that the facility would be multi-purpose.

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“The state-of-the-art complex will comprise all sporting facilities among them basketball courts, volleyball, and hockey fields as well as a football pitch and athletics track, indoor arena, and accommodation facilities," Martin offered.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Keino Sports Marketing also revealed that the facility that would attract top athletes will be an extension of the Kip Keino High Altitude Training Centre.

"We are targeting all sports and top athletes from different disciplines to come and train at the facility as well as those who will want to play for recreation," he said.

The move coincides with plans to elevate Eldoret to city status, and the athletics-rich region will need bigger and modern facilities to host international events.

“The center is listed as a high-performance training center by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which focuses on developing middle and long-distance athletes,” Martin added.

The construction works are expected to begin in 2024 and the family anticipates the works to be completed in three to five years.

The facility is also set to offer accommodation services to sportsmen and women at a subsidized cost, especially for those who will need to use the facility for a longer period.

The move comes after the Kipchoge Keino stadium was recently handed to the military for hastened construction ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.