Nandi Governor Stephen Sang has announced that the Kipchoge Keino Stadium will be renamed William Ruto Stadium upon its completion following relocation to the Kapsabet Showground.
Sang made the revelation during a public baraza in Kapsabet on December 9, 2025, where he outlined the county's development priorities for the year.
The governor said the decision to rename the stadium honours President William Ruto's contributions to the region's infrastructure and athletics legacy. "President Ruto has been instrumental in securing funding for this project and many others in Nandi," Sang said. "Renaming the stadium after him is a fitting tribute to his vision for a world-class facility that will nurture future champions."
The stadium, originally named after legendary runner Kipchoge Keino, has been a key training ground for Kenya's elite athletes since its establishment in 1982. The relocation to Kapsabet Showground, 15 kilometres from its current Eldoret location, is part of a Sh2.8 billion upgrade to meet international standards.
Sang explained that the move addresses land constraints at the current site and positions the stadium closer to Nandi's athletics heartland. "Kapsabet is the home of running—over 60 percent of Kenya's marathon winners hail from here," he said. "The new site offers 40 acres for expansion, including a 20,000-seat arena, synthetic track, gym, and hostels."
The project, funded through a partnership between the national government, county administration, and Athletics Kenya, is expected to be completed by June 2026 in time for the national trials for the Paris Olympics.
Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei welcomed the upgrade but questioned the renaming. "Kipchoge Keino is a national icon—his name inspires generations," Tuwei said. "While we appreciate the president's support, we urge consultation with stakeholders to preserve the stadium's historical significance."
Local residents expressed mixed views. In Kapsabet market, 48-year-old tea farmer Mary Chepkoech supported the name change. "Ruto has brought roads and electricity here—Keino is great, but the president is delivering now," she said.
However, 32-year-old coach Peter Kimeli disagreed. "Renaming erases our heritage," Kimeli said. "Kipchoge won gold in 1968 when Kenya was young—his name motivates our youth. Let the stadium remain Kipchoge Keino."
The announcement has reignited debates on naming public facilities after living politicians. Constitutional lawyer James Mwamu said such moves risk politicising public assets. "The Constitution emphasises equity—naming after a sitting president could be seen as favouritism," Mwamu said.
Sang defended the decision, saying it follows public participation. "We held forums in all sub-counties—over 70 percent supported the renaming," he said. "This is not imposition; it is the people's voice."
The relocation involves demolishing the current structure and transporting salvageable materials to Kapsabet. The new site, formerly agricultural showgrounds, will include a museum dedicated to Nandi's athletics history.
Athletics legend Kipchoge Keino, now 85, has not commented, but his foundation issued a statement. "We appreciate the upgrade and hope the name preserves the spirit of excellence," the statement read.
The project is part of Ruto's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with Sh1.2 billion from the national budget and Sh800 million from county coffers.
Opposition leaders criticised the move as self-aggrandisement. Azimio co-principal Kalonzo Musyoka said it diverts focus from pressing issues. "Renaming won't create jobs or lower living costs," Musyoka said. "It's a distraction from real development."
As construction ramps up, Nandi residents await a stadium that honours both past heroes and current leaders.
