Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has been forced to issue a clarification on his administration's position on the proposed renaming of the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in honour of President William Ruto.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, December 9, Governor Sang clarified that Kipchoge Keino Stadium, originally situated on an eight-acre parcel, was being relocated to a larger parcel outside the Kapsabet Showground, Nandi County.
According to Sang, the move was necessary to enable the upgrade of the stadium to a modern facility capable of housing a range of sporting activities.
The governor further clarified that the new stadium would continue to honour Kipchoge Keino's legacy.
“The new Kipchoge Keino Stadium will not only celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Kipchoge Keino but also reinforce our identity as the birthplace of world-class athletes. It will further cement the President’s legacy as a leader committed to advancing sports,” Sang said in a statement.
Part of the reason Governor Sang proposed the renaming of the stadium was to recognise the Kenya Kwanza government's investment in sporting infrastructure. Renaming the stadium was also a way to distinguish it from its counterpart in Eldoret.
“Because we have another Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, we will rename the one in Kapsabet to William Ruto Stadium. There is no harm in naming our facility after President Ruto,” Sang said on December 8.
“In Kenya, we have Raila Odinga Stadium, Moi Stadium, and many more. So why should we not rename ours after all these good deeds to Nandi County by the president?” he added.
Governor Sang also emphasised that the identity of both venues would be safeguarded, and plans were underway to ensure the original iconic stadium in Uasin Gishu county retain its historical significance.
“We are working closely with all stakeholders to ensure clarity and maintain the historical significance of these iconic venues,” the statement added.
The governor's clarification comes a day after he publicly announced during the inauguration of the new Kapsabet Municipality offices that the stadium could be renamed William Ruto Stadium.
The stadium upgrade is a key part of President Ruto's monumental promise to deliver 25 new and enhanced stadiums nationwide, with all projects targeted for completion by 2027.
