By Robert Mutasi 
The long-awaited facelift of Eldoret’s 64 Stadium is steadily taking shape, with national and county leaders now expressing optimism that the facility will be completed on schedule.
Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim on Friday led a team of officials in inspecting construction works at the stadium, which is being built by China Wu Yi Company.
The leaders, wearing white helmets branded with the contractor’s logo and high-visibility jackets, walked through the concrete terraces, which are now clearly taking form, as engineers briefed them on the current progress and the remaining milestones.
Governor Bii, who addressed the media first, said the county government is pleased to see the revival of the project that had stalled for years, leaving sportsmen and women in the region without a proper training and competition ground.
“As a county, we are delighted with the progress here at 64 Stadium. For a long time our youth, who are known world over for their athletics prowess, have had no proper facility. We are grateful to the national government for stepping in to ensure this project is moving again,” said Governor Bii.
He added that the stadium is critical for Uasin Gishu, which prides itself as the City of Champions, and its completion will open doors for talent development, job creation and economic growth through sports tourism.
“When this stadium is complete, it will transform the economy of Eldoret. Our hotels, traders and transport sector will benefit when we host national and international events. We want our young people to have a modern facility where they can train and grow their careers,” he noted.
Governor Bii assured the contractor of full support from the county, including smooth approvals and community engagement to avoid any work stoppages.
Taking over from him, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen said the government is fully committed to delivering the stadium as part of its broader agenda to upgrade sports infrastructure across the country ahead of the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.
Murkomen said he was satisfied with the quality and speed of works at the site and assured that the state will provide all necessary support to ensure the contractor meets the deadline.
“I came here to assess firsthand the ongoing works at 64 Stadium and I must say I am impressed. The contractor is on site, work is ongoing, and we have been assured that the timelines will be met. This is a key national project, not just for Uasin Gishu but for Kenya as a whole,” Murkomen said.
He emphasized that security agencies and relevant ministries have been directed to facilitate smooth operations at the site, including movement of materials and round-the-clock working schedules.
“We want this project done efficiently and within the stipulated time. The President has been very clear that we must have facilities that meet international standards. We will not allow any laxity. We will ensure security is beefed up and any bottlenecks are cleared immediately,” he said.
Murkomen also urged residents and local leaders to safeguard the facility and take ownership of the project, warning against vandalism and unnecessary politicization that previously derailed its construction.
Once complete, the 64 Stadium is expected to have a seating capacity of over 10,000 and host football, athletics and other public events, complementing the nearby Kipchoge Keino Stadium which is also under rehabilitation.
Residents have welcomed the renewed momentum, expressing hope that Eldoret will soon have a modern stadium worthy of its status as a sporting powerhouse.