Kamariny Stadium Set for Major Transformation [Photos]

Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, is undergoing a major transformation after nearly a decade of abandonment. 

In an update on Saturday, October 10, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the facility had suffered years of neglect before work began to revive it under the current administration.

"After nearly a decade of abandonment, Kamariny Stadium had become synonymous with neglect and stalled public projects. That chapter is now being rewritten," he wrote.

Omollo said construction works were progressing alongside improvements to the roads serving the stadium, with Sports Kenya overseeing the project to modernise the facility.

"Under the current administration, construction and access-road works are progressing at the historic facility in Iten, with Sports Kenya overseeing the transformation into a modern athletics and sporting hub," he added.

The upgraded stadium will accommodate between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators and feature an eight-lane tartan athletics track, a standard football pitch, changing rooms and a VIP pavilion.

The project is also expected to expand the facility's capacity to support professional athletes, with specialised accommodation planned under a subsequent phase.

"A subsequent phase will provide specialised accommodation for athletes, further strengthening Iten's position as a global centre for high-altitude training," Omollo further said.

Omollo said the investment would also create opportunities for businesses in Iten as more international athletes, coaches and spectators visit the town.

"The new track will allow athletes to undertake quality speed work and competition preparation closer to home, while the growing presence of international athletes, coaches and spectators will create new opportunities for hotels, training camps and local enterprises," he noted.

Beyond the stadium, supporting infrastructure works are also being undertaken to improve movement and security in the town.

The improvements include three link roads and street lighting intended to make access to the sporting facility and surrounding areas easier and safer.

"The surrounding investment is extending beyond the stadium, with three link roads and street lighting improving access, mobility and security across Iten," he concluded.

Elsewhere, President William Ruto is scheduled to tour four areas in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Tuesday, October 13, and Thursday, October 15, to oversee development projects, commission infrastructure and issue title deeds to residents.

The two-day tour will cover Marakwet East, Marakwet West, Keiyo South and Keiyo North, with the President expected to inspect ongoing construction projects, launch new facilities and address residents during public rallies.

The first leg of the tour will begin in Marakwet East at Kapyego Town at 9:30 am on Tuesday, where Ruto is scheduled to commission the Kipkundul-Kapyego-Kamelei tarmac road.

He will also break ground for the construction of the Kapyego Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) market and commission the Kapyego water project before addressing a public rally.

Later in the day, the President will travel to Chebara in Marakwet West, where his programme is scheduled to begin at 3:30 pm.

Ruto will inspect construction works at Chebara Boys Secondary School, Chebara Girls Secondary School, Chebara Polytechnic and Chebara Primary School. 

He will also inspect the construction of Kaptomut Primary School before holding a public rally at Bungwet.

The second leg of the tour will take place on Thursday, October 15, beginning in Chepkorio, Keiyo South, at 9 am.

In Chepkorio, the Head of State will inspect the affordable housing project and the Economic Stimulus Programme market.

He is also scheduled to issue 6,300 title deeds to residents of Rokocho and Kocholwo B areas, followed by a public rally.

Ruto will then proceed to Iten in Keiyo North, where activities are scheduled to begin at 3 pm.

In Iten, the President will inspect the ongoing construction of Kamariny Stadium and the affordable housing project. 

He will also commission the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) building.

The programme will further include the flagging off of the last-mile electricity connectivity initiative, the issuance of title deeds and the commissioning of the Iten Economic Stimulus Programme market.

The President is expected to conclude the two-day tour with a public rally in Iten where is expected to be joined by Governor Wisley Rotich and other local leaders.