By Robert Mutasi 
The government is stepping up the upgrade of Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo says the project will position the facility as a potential training base and alternative match venue for the continental football tournament.
The upgraded stadium is expected to accommodate 15,000 spectators, with planned facilities including floodlights, modern media facilities and international-standard changing rooms designed to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.
Omollo said the investment forms part of Kenya’s wider preparations for AFCON 2027 and the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
“As Kenya prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2029 World Athletics Championships, investment in sports infrastructure is gathering pace to deliver world-class facilities for major international competitions,” Omollo said.
He added that the Kipchoge Keino Stadium project would strengthen Eldoret’s position as an athletics centre while expanding its capacity to host major football events.
The facility is also scheduled to host this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on Tuesday, October 20, placing it at the centre of national preparations ahead of the public holiday.
The Eldoret project is part of a wider programme to improve Kenya’s sporting infrastructure before the two international competitions.
Other facilities undergoing renovation or development include Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Moi Stadium in Kisumu, Migori Stadium, Kericho Stadium, Gusii Stadium and Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County.
The government is also developing the 60,000-seat Raila Odinga Stadium, which is among the major projects expected to expand the country’s capacity to host large sporting events.
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will jointly host AFCON 2027, a tournament expected to draw teams, officials and supporters from across Africa.
Meanwhile, the 2029 World Athletics Championships will mark the first time the global competition is staged in Africa, increasing the demand for suitable training facilities and modern sports infrastructure.
For Eldoret, the stadium upgrade could broaden the city’s sporting profile beyond athletics, an area in which the region has built a strong international reputation.
The facility could provide teams with a training venue and give organisers another option for football-related activities during AFCON 2027, subject to inspection and approval by CAF.
The remaining works will be crucial in determining whether the stadium meets the technical, safety and operational standards required for international competition.
As preparations continue, attention will remain on the completion of key facilities and the government’s ability to deliver the project within the required timelines.
The upgrade is part of a broader effort to expand Kenya’s sporting infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027 and the 2029 World Athletics Championships.