New Kapsabet Stadium Marks Shift Towards Preventative Health Through Sports
Defence CS Soipan Tuya, Defence PS Dr. Patrick Mariru and Nandi Governor Stephen Sang are taken through the architectural model of the stadium and its envisioned final look.
The Government has intensified its focus on wellness and preventive healthcare with the transformation of the proposed Kapsabet Kipchoge Keino Stadium, a flagship project that positions sports infrastructure at the heart of Kenya’s universal health coverage (UHC) agenda.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya presided over the ceremony on the 12-acre site in Nandi County, marking the official start of construction for a modern facility expected to transform both community health and athletic development. The stadium will feature a 400-metre mixed-surface track, a FIFA/CAF-compliant football pitch, and a spectator capacity of 10,000 expandable to 15,000 in the future.
CS Tuya said the project reflects the Government’s commitment to merging sports development with public health priorities. “The project will play a key role in elevating sports excellence in Nandi County, a region where athletic talent thrives,” she stated. “While advancing universal health coverage, the Government equally recognises the value of sports infrastructure in promoting physical wellness.”
This shift toward integrating sports within the national health strategy follows the development of Talanta Sports City, which the Government has framed as more than a sports centre positioning it as a catalyst for active living. The Kapsabet Kipchoge Keino Stadium extends this philosophy to the county level by creating accessible spaces where young people and local communities can exercise, train, and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Implemented by the Nandi County Government with technical supervision from the Kenya Defence Forces, the project exemplifies a whole-of-government approach blending sports, health, and infrastructure development.
Nandi Governor Stephen Sang described the project as a transformative investment for the region. “This is a landmark moment for Nandi County. Today, we have made a significant step in enhancing sports infrastructure in our county through the groundbreaking of an ultra-modern Kipchoge Keino Stadium,” he said.
He added that the facility will include a World Athletics–certified 400-metre tartan track, a state-of-the-art football pitch with modern drainage and irrigation systems, an indoor gymnasium, warm-up areas, and strength and conditioning rooms. “For our athletes, this will be more than a stadium; it will be a complete high-performance environment.”
The event brought together leaders across government, including Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei, MPs Josses Lelmengit and Julius Kibiwot Melly, and KDF’s Chief of Infrastructure Brigadier Titus Sokobe, underscoring the multi sector partnership driving the initiative.
As Kenya’s Talanta Sports City continues to redefine national sports development, the Kapsabet Kipchoge Keino Stadium shows how counties are adopting similar strategies to advance public health and community fitness bringing the “health through sports” vision closer to households across the country.
