Governor Susan Kihika has requested President William Ruto to authorize the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) deployment to assist in completing the Afraha Stadium upgrade, aiming to boost sports infrastructure, nurture talents and economic development.
The Sh650 million project, launched in May 2021, aims to transform the 73-year-old facility into a modern stadium of international standards. Once completed, it will increase the seating capacity from 8,200 to 14,300.
Initially set for completion in 14 months, the project halted due to financial and logistical issues, forcing the contractor off-site. After a prolonged delay, construction restarted in 2024, aiming to overcome earlier setbacks and progress toward completion.
Funded by the World Bank through the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) under the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, the project is a flagship initiative for Nakuru County’s sports and infrastructure development.
Governor Kihika, while leading a delegation to State House, Nairobi, shared Nakuru’s development progress and outlined priority areas where partnering with the National Government could help fast-track service delivery across the county.
“Once complete, Afraha Stadium will position Nakuru as a premier sporting destination,” she said, adding that her administration is committed to promoting talent through investment in sports infrastructure.
The proposal will have to be tabled and approved by the Cabinet, which will decide if the KDF can be deployed to complete the Afraha Stadium upgrade, an approach proven effective in similar past projects handled by the KDF across the country.
Afraha Stadium previously hosted Kenya Premier League side Ulinzi Stars and fifth-tier club Nakuru All Stars. Both teams have since been forced to seek alternative venues due to construction delays.
Governor Kihika noted that a fully operational stadium would enhance sports tourism in the region, generating revenue for the local economy through increased activity in the hospitality and transport sectors during matches and sporting events.
In April, the iconic stadium, revitalized by Governor Kihika’s administration, hosted the fourth leg of the Betika Athletics Kenya Track and Field Weekend, followed by the Football Kenya Federation Division One and Women’s National Super League season finals.
Kenya’s sports tourism sector presents rich opportunities for adventure, competition, and cultural exchange, drawing local and international visitors eager to engage in or experience major sporting events across the country’s varied landscapes and vibrant communities.
The global sports tourism market, valued at KSh 77.8 trillion in 2023, is projected to reach KSh 234–364 trillion by 2030–2034, with compound annual growth rates of 8.1 percent to 35.2 percent, driven by global trends.