“A Stadium in Every County”; Kenya Pushes to Transform Sports Infrastructure

The government is intensifying efforts to upgrade Kenya’s sports sector. Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, spoke during the launch of the 10th Chemususu Dam Half Marathon in Baringo County.

Mwangi said President William Ruto’s administration wants every county and eventually every constituency to have functional sports facilities. “We plan to build a stadium in almost every constituency, starting with counties,” he said. In Baringo, the government will take over the local stadium with the Ministry of Defence.

Several projects are already underway. These include Kamariny Stadium in Elgeyo Marakwet, Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Uasin Gishu, Nandi Stadium, and Kaptagat Stadium in Kericho. Plans are also in place to rehabilitate facilities in Bomet and other counties. “We want athletes from all regions to have proper facilities to train, compete and shine,” Mwangi added.

The PS urged the private sector to support sports development. “We invite sponsors in athletics, volleyball, football and boxing. The government cannot do it alone,” he said. Mwangi emphasized that partnerships will improve transparency and ensure funds reach the intended programs.

He also encouraged companies to use tax rebate incentives for corporate sponsorship. Few companies have used this benefit to support sports, he noted.

These efforts come as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania. The Talanta Sports City is a flagship project reflecting Kenya’s focus on modern sports infrastructure.

Mwangi concluded that these investments will nurture talent, boost the economy, and strengthen Kenya’s position in African sports. With government support and private sector involvement, Kenya is set to raise its sports standards and help athletes compete at the highest level.