Kenya: The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Creative Economy, Ababu Namwamba, visited the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru City to assess the stadium project’s development progress.
Further, the officials want to check the stadium’s eligibility to host important sporting events. The country’s officials have been working diligently to align the sports sector with world standards.
The Ministry of Sports, Youth Affairs and Creative Economy has commissioned the construction of several stadiums in various locations across the country. During the site, Deputy Governor David Kones welcomed the Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba.
The deputy governor was accompanying Josephine Atieno Achieng, CECM of Youth, Gender, Culture, Sports, and Social Services. CS Ababu Namwamba appreciated the County government’s significant efforts in developing the stadium.
Further, the Cabinet Secretary has assured the country’s people that the government will continue to support the project. The officials have shared that the construction project of the stadium aligns with the Infrastructure Development masterplan.
The officials have shared that the aim of the project is to provide top-notch facilities for international and continental events. The Ministry has been supporting the construction of several stadium projects nationwide.
The projects include:
- Karasani stadium
- Talanta Sports City
- Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega
- Masinde Muliro in Bungoma
- Kipchoge Keino in Uasin Gishu
- Afraha Stadium in Nakuru
Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba acknowledged that the ministry is making deliberate efforts to enhance these facilities. Further, the ministry wants to position Kenya as a regional leader in sports infrastructure.
The Ministry wants to ensure that the project is implemented successfully. For this, the administration is collaborating closely with county governments.
“We are progressing well, and I appreciate Governor Susan Kihika’s outstanding work. Together, we will elevate this stadium to meet FIFA and CAF standards for international and continental events,” remarked CS Ababu.
Key enhancements that the government of the country has introduced to the stadium construction include,
- Expanding the stadium to a 15,000-seat capacity
- Upgrading the playing field
- Building new changing rooms
- Installing new stands with canopies
- Lighting
- Laying a new tartan track for athletics