Anticipation builds as Afraha Stadium grand reopening approaches after two-year overhaul

© Susan Kihika Facebook Page

Anticipation builds as Afraha Stadium grand reopening approaches after two-year overhaul

Festus Chuma 10:45 - 11.10.2023

Afraha Stadium's two-year, Sh683 million renovation nears completion, with a December 2023 reopening set, following significant delays and budget increases.

After enduring two years of extensive renovations, Afraha Stadium is set to open its gates once again in December 2023, bringing a wave of excitement and relief to sports enthusiasts in Nakuru County.

The ambitious upgrade project, which commenced on April 30, 2021, sought to elevate the venerable 74-year-old stadium to international standards.

Initially slated to be completed within 14 months, the refurbishment process experienced significant delays, extending the completion timeline by over a year

Nakuru County governor Susan Kihika gleefully shared the progress in a recent public address.

“I am happy to report that I have come into office for the last 52 weeks. I pushed this project from 37% to 90% completion,” Kihika stated, highlighting her instrumental role in expediting the stadium's overhaul.

Due to the protracted construction period, local sports teams and the County Assembly Sports Association (CASA) were compelled to seek alternative venues for their games this year.

The ASK Showground and Kabarak University grounds graciously hosted these displaced events, providing a temporary solution to the logistical challenge imposed by the renovation works.

The Nakuru County Government has confirmed that the project is now 90% complete, with a final cost tallying to Sh683 million – Sh32 million above the initial budget.

This financial augmentation was necessitated by various unforeseen expenses incurred during the first phase, increasing the project's cost by over Sh30 million. Funding for this monumental endeavour was generously provided by the World Bank, in collaboration with the County Government of Nakuru.

During a recent visit to the site, it was observed that workers were finalizing the roofing of the two pavilions and meticulously laying down the running tracks. Moreover, a section of Moi Road, which previously divided the stadium’s main field from the Afraha Annex, is undergoing transformation into an access route and parking area designated for VIP pavilion guests.

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