The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) will be responsible for the construction of Ruring’u Stadium in Nyeri, a move aimed at reviving the long-delayed project.

This comes as President William Ruto prepares to visit the Mt Kenya region, with government officials pledging a renewed commitment to upgrading sports infrastructure across the country.

Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya, who visited the site, emphasized the government’s dedication to delivering modern stadiums that meet international standards.

“We are here as part of our commitment to upgrade sports infrastructure countrywide. The refurbishment of Ruring’u Stadium began in 2017, but challenges have caused prolonged delays. Today, we are here to resolve those obstacles and fast-track construction,” CS Mvurya said.

The revamped stadium will adopt a prototype design, increasing its seating capacity from 2,000 to 15,000.

According to Mr Mvurya, this will require extensive modifications to meet international standards, allowing the venue to host major sporting events, including those sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The project, estimated to cost Sh800 million, is expected to be completed within 8 to 12 months.

The Ministry of Defence, through the KDF, will work in collaboration with Sports Kenya to redesign the facility and overcome previous hurdles.

"Partnering with KDF in sports infrastructure is not new. We have successfully worked together on projects such as Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, and Talanta City. This partnership ensures the highest quality standards,” Mr Mvurya noted.

The CS also issued a stern warning against land grabbers occupying public sports grounds, instructing them to vacate immediately.

Nyeri Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga expressed hope that the renewed efforts would yield results after years of delays.

"We have waited for far too long, and we are eager to see this project completed. I only hope that this visit is not simply because of the President’s upcoming tour, but rather a genuine effort to benefit the people of Nyeri,”Governor Kahiga said.

Highlighting the historical significance of Ruring’u Stadium, the governor noted that it was one of Kenya’s earliest sports venues and played a crucial role in the country’s independence history.

"The Mau Mau war veterans gathered here, and this is where Jomo Kenyatta received them after they came out of the forest, marking the end of the struggle for independence. We must not let this heritage disappear,” he added.

Nyeri Town MP Maina Mathenge echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the struggles local teams face due to the lack of a proper playing field.

"Our local teams are forced to rent fields elsewhere because Ruring’u Stadium has been in a deplorable state. As someone whose office is just across the road, its neglected condition has been a source of shame,” Mr Mathenge said.

He welcomed the planned upgrade, particularly the increase in capacity, saying it would significantly boost sports and recreation in the region.

With the government’s renewed focus and military involvement, residents of Nyeri remain hopeful that Ruring’u Stadium will finally get the long-overdue facelift it deserves.