Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium is set for a major facelift and upgrade following a ground breaking of its renovation by Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui.
The 73 year old sporting facility is set to undergo a major transformation that will see it rise to international standards.
The Ksh 4 billion World Bank project is set to be undertaken in five phases in the next five years.
Phase one of the facelift will consume Ksh 650 million and will entail the construction of a modern football pitch, an athletics racing track, medical rooms, restaurants and chaining rooms.
The face lift will see the historic stadium increase its capacity from the current 8,200 to 14,300.
The World Bank is funding the project under the Kenya Urban Support Programme(KUSP) through the State Department of Housing and Urban Development.
A basket ball court, swimming pools, sports academy, volleyball courts, netball courts and a rugby pitch are some of the additional components that the modern stadium will have.
Governor Kinyanjui said that once complete, the stadium will make Nakuru a premier sporting destination.
Nakuru County Assembly Speaker Joel Kairu however called for the review of the intended capacity of the stadium saying that it should be increased to meet the international standards.
Afraha Stadium is home to Kenya Premier League side Ulinzi Stars and Nakuru All Stars which plays in the fifth division league.
The county government is heavily investing in the sporting sector with plans underway to renovate and construct 17 more public sports facilities across the county with the aim of identifying, nurturing and developing sports talents at the grassroots.
