Kericho's Kiprugut Chumo Stadium Set for 20,000-Plus Capacity Upgrade [Photos]

Talent development through sports and the creative arts is being positioned as an important part of Kenya’s long-term development agenda.

In a statement on Friday, September 4, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the ongoing rehabilitation of Kericho Green Stadium, now renamed Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, is part of efforts to establish modern sporting facilities that can support talent development and community engagement.

"It is in this spirit that the comprehensive rehabilitation of Kericho Green Stadium, now Kiprugut Chumo Stadium in honour of Kenya's first Olympic medallist, is taking shape as a modern sporting hub," he wrote.

According to Omollo, the project was taken over by the national government after earlier renovation efforts stalled, with the facility subsequently handed over to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to oversee its execution.

"Works are now active, with the old structures being stripped down to make way for a world-class facility featuring an IAAF-standard tartan track, a modern football pitch with proper drainage and expanded spectator capacity of more than 20,000," he added.

Omollo said the rehabilitation will also ensure materials recovered from the old stadium are put to productive use, with steel structures being repurposed for facilities in Londiani, Sosiot and Tulwet.

"The investment creates a shared space where talent, community and national identity meet, supporting the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration's broader role in fostering unity, cohesion and peaceful interaction through sport," he further said.

Meanwhile, Omollo has revealed that the construction of the Koitalel Samoei University College (KSUC) in Nandi has reached 85% completion. 

In an update on Friday, September 4, he said the project, which commenced in February 2025, is scheduled for completion by October 2026. 

"Commenced in February 2025 under a 24-month programme, the project is now about 85% complete and is targeted for completion by October 2026," he said. 

Omollo noted that the KSUC campus comprises an administration block and 14 lecture halls. 

Ongoing works at the university include: terrazzo and tiled floors, wall painting, acoustic ceiling boards, second-fix electrical works, plumbing fittings, waterproofing, external painting and landscaping. 

Omollo highlighted that the university, which is named after Orkoiyot Koitalel Arap Samoei, is poised to reshape the economy of Nandi Hills.

"The expected influx of students will create demand for housing, transport, food, retail and other services, helping revive a town that has faced job losses following the mechanisation of tea plucking," he stated. 

Further, Omollo said the KSUC university council and local administration are engaging communities to encourage private investors to develop student hostels around the campus.

"The project also demonstrates how the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration contributes to creating the conditions in which transformative investments can take root and deliver for communities," he concluded.