Residents protest plans to convert iconic Kipchoge Stadium into modern market

Residents of Nandi County have strongly opposed plans by the county government to convert the iconic Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Kapsabet into a modern market.

The protests emerged during a public participation forum held at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex, where stakeholders, including current and former professional athletes, footballers, civil society representatives, and opinion leaders, voiced their discontent over the proposed project.

The planned conversion is part of the recently adopted Kapsabet Municipality Master Plan, which outlines the expansion of Kapsabet’s Central Business District (CBD) and the implementation of National Government programs.

According to the master plan, the 8.7-acre Kipchoge Keino Stadium will be relocated to the Kapsabet Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Showground to make way for a modern market estimated to cost Ksh 350 million.

Further, the proposal suggests relocating the ASK Showground to Kaimosi FTC, where a state-of-the-art sports complex, including a 15,000-capacity stadium with an indoor arena, is set to be constructed on a 25-acre plot within the showground area.

However, sports stakeholders and residents have rejected the proposal, terming it a blow to Nandi’s sporting heritage.

Kipchoge Keino Stadium, named after Kenya’s legendary athlete Kipchoge Keino, has been a cornerstone of the community for over 50 years, serving as a training ground for generations of athletes.

Stakeholders argue that turning it into a market would permanently erase a vital piece of the region’s history and identity as the “Source of Champions.”

"We are shocked that the county government wants to destroy our iconic stadium. The least we expected was its upgrade and completion to international standards," said Bilal Mansur Ali, a former athlete.

"It is appalling to see such a historic facility being turned into a marketplace. I trained at Kipchoge Stadium from 2004 to 2013, and every time I stepped onto the track, I won races. This place holds a special place in my heart," he added.

Residents further argued that converting the stadium into a market would pose logistical and practical challenges due to its location. The facility is close to several institutions, including four schools, a church, a mosque, and the Nandi County Assembly, which they claim would make market operations unsustainable.

In 2015, Kipchoge Keino Stadium was earmarked for a facelift into an international-standard sports facility, but the project stalled in its final stages due to various challenges. Now, the proposal to repurpose the stadium has reignited frustrations among stakeholders who believe the county government should focus on upgrading and completing the facility instead of altering its purpose.

The pushback highlights the community’s deep-rooted connection to the historic stadium, which has been instrumental in nurturing athletic talent and maintaining Nandi’s legacy as a global sporting powerhouse.