The upgrade of Afraha Stadium to International standards is slowly taking shape with phase one expected to be completed by June this year.

The iconic stadium has been undergoing a facelift since April 2021.

Nakuru City Manager Gitau Thabanja says the Sh650 million project is well on course and the contractor on the ground has assured of the same.

He was responding after concerns were raised concerning the slow pace at which the work was going on.

Thabanja revealed that the delays were caused by the restructuring of some utilities that had passed through the stadium. Some of them include Power lines and water pipes which supply water to the households neighboring the stadium.

The stadium has been in existence for 74 years.

He added that the cost of materials such as steel had also changed, causing a restructuring of the contract which caused the works to be halted for a short period.

"I can assure you that by June this year we shall have completed the first phase of this stadium" he said.

It should be noted that the first phase entails a modern football pitch, running track, changing rooms, parking space, a restaurant, among other amenities.

The sports fraternity have termed the refurbishment a key move towards enhancing sports tourism in the region.

The Project is a World Bank funded project that was initiated during former Governor Lee Kinyanjui’s tenure. Once complete the stadium is expected to hold up to 7,000 people.

Nakuru City Manager is optimistic that the timelines for completion will be made.

He added that the second phase plan will be spearheaded by Governor Susan Kihika who has promised to lobby for more funds from the National Government for its completion.

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Phase One of Afraha Stadium to be Completed in June

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Pristone Mambili