Iconic Kipchoge Keino Stadium replaced by market

The iconic Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Nandi has finally been handed over to a contractor, who will begin converting it into a Sh450 million market centre amidst uproar from residents.

Locals lost the battle to save the stadium, named after Kipchoge Keino, the pioneer of Kenyan athletics, to the national government, which is determined to establish a market.

From clearly stating their rejection of the demolition of the stadium to hold protests in the streets, Kapsabet residents attempted to protect the historic sports facility.

READ: Uproar in Nandi over proposal to convert Kipchoge Keino Stadium to marketplace

The Nandi County Government confirmed yesterday that a contractor was already on site and informed residents to prepare for the development of an ultra-modern market in a place that has produced world-beaters in athletics for decades.

The market will be one of the projects President William Ruto will launch during his tour of Nandi in mid-February, according to county officials.

Authorities stated that the new ultra-modern market, built on the stadium site, will be completed by June 2026.

Emgwen MP Joses Lelmengit and Nandi Deputy Governor Yulitah Cheruiyot handed over the site to the contractor.

The two leaders said the market will occupy the eight acres of land.

They maintained that the stadium would be relocated to the Kapsabet Showground, a move residents had rejected during public participation sessions.

Dr Cheruiyot said the market was part of an initial development plan to restructure Kapsabet, the Nandi County headquarters, while also creating adequate space for local small businesses.

“Expansion of Kapsabet town is essentially meant to create business and employment opportunities. The implementation of the development master plan has started to address congestion issues and reorganise the market centre,” she stated.

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A design seen by The Saturday Standard indicates that the market is expected to accommodate 1,500 traders, including agricultural produce vendors and boutique shops, among other businesses.

“It will boost the collection of county revenues and improve traffic management in the central business district,” the deputy governor explained.

The relocation of the market from Kapsabet’s central business district will make way for the expansion of the town’s bus terminal, she added.

Cheruiyot further said that the Kapsabet town business community had been consulted before the decision was made.

Lelmengit acknowledged athletics and sports as the community’s heritage and affirmed that the government would build a modern stadium on 25 acres at the agricultural showground land.