Why the Government Just Restarted Work on Eldoret's Stalled Sh3.5 Billion Kipkeino Stadium

The Kenyan government has officially resumed construction work on the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, a project that has faced repeated delays for more than a decade. During an inspection tour on Friday, February 20, 2026, Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo announced that the 15,000-seater facility is now back on track, with the state aiming to have the venue fully operational by the end of this year.

The site, which has been in a state of partial completion since it was last utilized for the 2016 Rio Olympic trials, is currently estimated to be at 33 per cent completion. This latest push for completion follows a high-level inspection in early January by President William Ruto and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, which led to the deployment of a new contractor to the site.

The project is currently being handled by Sinohydro Corporation, with oversight provided by the Kenya Defence Forces to ensure strict adherence to construction timelines. The total cost of the facility is expected to exceed Sh3.5 billion, with the government reportedly releasing an advance payment of Sh300 million to facilitate the current phase of work.

Technical specifications for the stadium indicate a focus on international certification. According to Kilimo, the facility is being built to meet FIFA requirements for football matches, while the athletics department will feature a World Athletics-approved tartan track. These upgrades are intended to provide a modern training and competition environment for the high concentration of elite athletes based in the North Rift region.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, who accompanied the inspection team, noted that the resumption of work is a critical development for the county. He indicated that the completion of Kipchoge Keino Stadium would allow the construction crew to move to the nearby 64 Stadium, which is also scheduled for significant upgrades. Bii remarked that the region, often referred to as the home of champions, has long required infrastructure that matches its global reputation in sports.

The construction activities currently visible on site include the installation of formwork for the main terraces, the erection of structural columns, and the development of the stadium's boundary wall. These works are part of a broader national effort to prepare infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host alongside its East African neighbors.

The stadium’s history of stalled progress has been a point of contention for local athletes and political leaders alike. After years of false starts and funding challenges, the current administration has placed the project under the supervision of the military to avoid further disruptions. The facility is named after the legendary Kipchoge Keino, whose 1968 Olympic achievements paved the way for Kenya’s dominance in distance running.

As the contractor increases man-hours on the project, the government remains optimistic that the December 2026 deadline is achievable. The completion of the stadium is expected to provide a significant boost to local sports tourism and offer a world-class venue for both national and international events in Eldoret.