Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has issued a response following public criticism over his earlier announcement that the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Kapsabet would be renamed after President William Ruto.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 9, the governor highlighted the developments shaping Kenya’s sports infrastructure.
Sang noted that Kenya is currently witnessing major progress in sports facility upgrades driven by the national government.
"I am pleased that our discussions today are centered on the significant changes taking place in our county, region and nation's sporting and athletics infrastructure.
"As we reflect on these developments, it is important to recognize the unprecedented investment and transformation driven by the ambitious vision of His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto across the country," the statement read.
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Sang explained that Nandi County has been a key beneficiary of the national push to modernise sports facilities.
He noted that the redevelopment of Kipchoge Keino Stadium is part of this wider agenda.
"In Nandi County, we are proud beneficiaries of this progress. The Kipchoge Keino Stadium, initially located on an 8-acre parcel, has now been relocated to a more expansive 15-acre section carved out of the Showground.
"This move provides the space required for a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will support a wide range of sporting disciplines far beyond athletics and football, which the current facility accommodates," he added.
Sang stated that the new facility will continue to honour Olympic legend Kipchoge Keino while embracing Ruto's legacy as a transformative leader.
"The new Kipchoge Keino Stadium will not only honour the extraordinary legacy of our athletic hero, Kipchoge Keino, but also reflect our rich heritage as the birthplace of global athletic icons. It will further cement the President's legacy as a transformative leader in the sporting sector.
"As we advance this project, we remain committed to working closely with all stakeholders in the sporting fraternity to ensure that the identities of the two Kipchoge Keino stadia in Eldoret and Kapsabet are preserved and clearly distinguished," he concluded.
Speaking on Monday, December 8, Sang announced that the stadium will be renamed William Ruto Stadium once completed.
He said the move is aimed at removing confusion since there is another Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.
"We are building a stadium here, but because we already have Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, and this one is also named Kipchoge Keino. We will rename it William Ruto Stadium," he said.
Sang said the naming of the stadium after Ruto is an appreciation of the resources the government has put into the county.
"What’s wrong with that? Don’t we have Moi Stadium and Raila Odinga Stadium? Now that he has brought us millions, we will rename this stadium William Ruto Stadium because he has already supported us by funding its construction," he added.
The construction of the new ultra-modern stadium was commissioned by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on Friday, December 5.
The facility will feature a World Athletics-certified 400-metre tartan track, a 10,000-seat capacity expandable to 15,000, and a FIFA-compliant football pitch fitted with modern drainage systems to ensure year-round usability.
The design of the stadium incorporates state-of-the-art LED floodlights with plans for solar integration, ensuring sustainability while enabling night events.
Spectators and guests will enjoy VIP and VVIP lounges, hospitality boxes, and a comprehensive media and press centre designed to support high-quality broadcasting and reporting.
The project also includes expanded parking areas, transport hubs, improved access roads, a modern drainage and flood-control system, and enhanced security through CCTV and gated entry points.
"This is not just an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in our youth, our economy and our identity as a county known for producing world-class athletes," Sang said after the event.
