Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county is finally being demolished to pave the way for an upgraded facility that will be launched by President William Ruto on Friday 10 January for use in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).The stadium was one of the four facilities alongside Moi International Sports Center Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium and Talanta Sports City earmarked for use in the 2027 AFCON that Kenya will be co-hosting alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.New coach for Harambee Stars midfielder in ZambiaWhile there have been ongoing works in the other facilities including the brand new Talanta Sports City, the Eldoret-based stadium has been silent which created doubts about whether it was still part of the government’s plan for the continental tourney.Residents of Uasin Gishu and the North Rift region at large can now smile after the contractor reported to the site and works at the facility begun in earnest to ensure that it is ready before 2027.##NAJAVA_MECA_8619910##In a video circulating online, an excavator machine is seen in the stadium demolishing part of the stand while also digging trenches as a way to signify the beginning of construction.With Nyayo Stadium already approved by CAF and Kasarani Stadium in the latter stages of upgrade, the focus will shift to Talanta City which is already taking shape and Kipchoge Keino to leave Kenya with at least four certified international stadiums.Protests planned ahead of Kipchoge Keino Stadium conversion to marketplaceThe upgrading of Kipchoge Keino also brings to an end the suggestions and plans by a section of the local leaders to have the stadium turned into a market with a new stadium to be shifted to the showground.Uganda and Tanzania already had CAF-approved stadiums in the name of Nelson Mandela Stadium (Namboole) and Benjamin Mkapa Stadium respectively.##NAJAVA_MECA_8619921##The three East African countries will host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) from Saturday 1 February 2025 to Friday 28 February 2025 which will also help in preparations for AFCON.
