Residents of Olenguruone in Kuresoi South, Nakuru County are expressing renewed optimism following the resumption of construction works at the historic Olenguruone Stadium, a once-vibrant sporting ground that shaped the talents of countless local youths in football and athletics.
The project, which was initially closed in 2012 for reconstruction, quickly turned into a tale of frustration after the contractor abandoned the site, leaving it in a worse state than before.
For nearly 13, years, the stadium lay derelict, an empty, forgotten shell of the promise it once held.
Construction of the stadium situated in Kuresoi South Sub-County started in 2012 after a contractor was awarded Ksh73 million out of the total contract sum of Ksh290,643,600 as per the contract agreement.
A visit by Activist Morara Kebaso last year highlighted how the Ksh290 million project stalled after the contractor exited the site in 2016, sparking outrage and despair among residents who depended on it as a training ground for rising athletes.
The Kenya Defense Forces’ intervention
However, the tide has now turned. The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) has officially taken over the remaining works, injecting discipline, urgency, and renewed confidence into the project.
During the launch of the works, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika celebrated the development, calling it a major win for Olenguruone and the entire Kuresoi South constituency.
Governor Kihika noted that, once completed, the state-of-the-art arena will not only nurture and support talent but will also help monetise sports for local youth, opening new pathways to careers and national recognition.
According to the governor, the stadium set for completion within the next 12 months is being implemented through a partnership between the Nakuru County Government and the Kenya Defense Forces.
“I thank President William Ruto for issuing a presidential directive to the KDF to undertake this project, and Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya for her dedication and support,” she said.
Government officials look on as construction at Olenguruone Stadium resumes. Photo: Courtesy
The expected overall look of the stadium
The upgraded facility will include a football pitch, a running track, and a modern pavilion with a VIP section, changing rooms, ablution blocks, ample parking, a borehole, and a water tank. The design also provides room for future expansion, ensuring the stadium can adapt to the growing sports ecosystem in the region.
Olenguruone Stadium’s revival is further strengthened by its strategic proximity to the Keringet High Altitude Sports Complex, located just 28 kilometres away.
The Keringet complex, started in 2018, has also been progressing slowly, but together, the two facilities hold the potential to transform Kuresoi into a powerhouse of athletics and sports development.
Local athletes, many of whom train along the roadside due to lack of proper facilities, believe that once both projects are completed, the region will produce even more international champions, echoing the legacy of Kenya’s long-distance running giants.
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