In the heart of Nakuru County, an ambitious project was set in motion to rejuvenate the legendary Afraha Stadium. Breathing new life into the 80 years old sporting complex was one of the many ways Nakuru County has been at its best leveraging its City status
Spearheaded by the Land, Housing, Physical Planning, and Urban Development Department, with the unwavering support of Governor Susan Kihika, the Afraha Stadium upgrade program seeks to elevate sports excellence, promote tourism, and create an iconic destination for athletes and Sports enthusiasts alike.
This is the story of Nakuru County’s vision to transform an old landmark into a modern sporting haven, inspiring the youth and propelling Nakuru City to new heights.
Over the years, Afraha Stadium had witnessed moments of glory and weathered challenges, but it stood as a symbol of resilience for the people of Nakuru. Recognizing its potential to become an international sporting arena, the county government embarked on a multi-billion sporting upgrade program, with Afraha Stadium taking center stage. Led by County Commissioner Lyford Kibaara and County Executive Committee Member for Youth and Sports, Engineer Lucy Kariuki, the project aimed to nurture sports talents, promote sports tourism, and elevate Nakuru City as a premier sporting and conferencing destination.
A Vision Set in Motion
The journey began with the vision to revitalize the stadium to international standards, equipped with modern facilities to cater to a myriad of sports disciplines. The scope of the project was extensive, encompassing an Olympic-size swimming pool, indoor training area, new running tracks, outdoor game facilities, and more. Moreover, the rehabilitation includes the construction of spectator areas, changing rooms, team coaches’ spaces, public washrooms, medical facilities, and VIP lounges. The blueprint promised a world-class sporting haven for athletes and enthusiasts alike.
Progress and Hurdles
As the project commenced, the challenges of restoring an 80-year-old stadium came to the fore. The initial phase faced the daunting task of addressing vandalism and disrepair that had plagued Afraha Stadium for years. However, under the meticulous supervision of the City Manager Gitau Thabanja and the Clerk of Works, Mr. Harrison, progress surged ahead. The construction of Pavilion A reached 42% completion, and the running track excavation and leveling were at an encouraging 70%. Ground beams for Pavilion B were well underway at 55%, while drainage and irrigation systems were steadily advancing.
Gathering Speed
Despite obstacles, the project steadily gathered momentum, and officials were delighted to announce that 28% of the planned construction was already complete. The dedication to meeting the project’s timelines remained unwavering, with a projected completion of the first phase soon. The plastering of Pavilion A was at 60% completion, and the ground floor wall was an impressive 95% done. With the boundary wall standing at 22% completion, the upgraded stadium was starting to take shape.
Empowering the Youth
Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika reiterated that the stadium’s transformation was not merely about infrastructure, but a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering the youth. The upgraded Afraha Stadium would provide a conducive environment for the nurturing of talents across various sports. It would offer opportunities for athletes to excel and bring pride to Nakuru County on national and international stages. Moreover, the County government promises that the facelift will generate assets and open avenues for direct and indirect employment, further boosting Nakuru County’s economy.
As the Afraha Stadium’s transformation continues to unfold, Nakuru County revels in the realization of its dream to build an iconic sporting hub. With the collective efforts of officials, contractors, and stakeholders, Afraha Stadium’s metamorphosis from neglect to brilliance paints an inspiring narrative. Once complete, the doors to the complex are ready to welcome athletes and guests, a symbol of hope for the future of Nakuru County where sports talents would flourish, and Nakuru’s name would shine brightly in the annals of sports history.
Impact on the Economy
The Afraha Stadium upgrade program embodies the power of vision, determination, and collective endeavor. It not only symbolizes sporting excellence but also stands as a testament to the county’s commitment to economic empowerment and community development.
That’s not not all,the famous Lake Nakuru National Park is within a 5 minute ride . One would agree that a detour to the park after an amazing game would be kill the boring afternoon don’t you ?The completion of this iconic project would mark a new chapter in Nakuru’s journey to economic prowess by promoting tourism and hospitality to the County as well as a multi-skilled job market to many residents.Great minds.
Indeed, this was a transformation that transcended bricks and mortar, becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Go Nakuru City!
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