President William Ruto has pledged to have Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret completed with a full canopy in the coming months, as the facility prepares to serve as a training venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He made the announcement during Mashujaa Day celebrations at the stadium on Tuesday, October 20, as Kenya steps up preparations to co-host the continental tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.
“I commit that this very stadium will be completed with a full canopy in the coming months,” the President stated.
Ruto said the upgrade is part of efforts to position Kenya to attract international sporting events rather than only sending its athletes to compete abroad.
School children form a spear shape on the field at Kipchoge Keino Stadium during a performance to mark Mashujaa Day in Eldoret, October 20, 2026.
PCS
Kipchoge Keino Stadium is among the facilities earmarked for AFCON preparations, with its suitability for the tournament subject to the required assessments and standards.
As the facility appeared incomplete during the Mashujaa Day celebrations, Ruto’s commitment to install a full canopy adds to the remaining works as the government prepares the facility for upcoming sporting events.
In August, a technical delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspected the stadium, assessing it as a potential alternative match venue for AFCON 2027, alongside possible training grounds, accommodation, medical services and other supporting facilities in Eldoret.
The announcement comes amid wider construction and renovation activities involving 33 stadiums at different stages of development, with some projects facing delays and funding challenges.
During an October 6 Senate committee meeting, officials reported that renovation works at Nyayo Stadium had stalled after a contractor stopped working over an outstanding payment of Ksh984 million.
Only Ksh200 million had been paid against the Ksh1.184 billion contract, leaving key works incomplete ahead of the facility’s planned use as an AFCON training venue.
In addition to the canopy, Ruto said that the Kipchoge Stadium in Kapsabet, Nandi County, and Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, which he recently inspected, were also expected to be completed in the coming months.
Ruto said the projects would help nurture sporting talent and create opportunities for athletes, citing the ongoing construction of Raila Odinga International Stadium and upgrades at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, ahead of the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi, which will be the first African city to host the event.
President William Ruto oversees a parade during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, October 20, 2026.
PCS