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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Baringo County sets aside Sh10m to fence Kabarnet stadium

Sports

By -Ben Ahenda | Feb 24, 2014

By Ben Ahenda

Kabarnet Stadium as it stands today.

After many years of neglect, Baringo County Government has allocated Sh10 million to fence Kabarnet Stadium.

The county’s Minister for Education, Youth, Culture and Social Services Edwin Riamang’ura said this will be their first step before embarking on refurbishing its football pitch and athletics track.

Traces of cow dung all over the pitch exposed the pathetic condition of the facility that is now used by drivers and motorcycle riders for their riding and driving lessons.

Despite its good location and strategic position, the stadium, which in the 1980s and 1990s hosted military parades before official opening of the Agricultural Society of Kenya Kabarnet Show by former President Daniel arap Moi, is an eye sore.

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Located along Seguton Hills to the North, Bondeni village to the East and Kabarnet town to the South and built in a valley, it has no pavilion and spectators sit on grass while others are left standing in case of any ceremonies here.

The strong stench of overflowing sewer running downhill along trees and bushes surrounding the stadium pose a health risk.

Riamang’ura said full completion of the facility could cost Sh70 million.

“We must construct a permanent fence around it complete with a pavilion for dignitaries and other seating stands and a drainage system,” he said.

stem exodus

Lack of such facilities has resulted in runners from this county shifting to the North Rift’s high altitude athletics camps.

“In order to stem the exodus, the facility has to be developed in the shortest time possible,” he said.

Kabarnet Stadium is the home turf of former world cross-country champion Paul Tergat, who is a member of International Olympic Committee board.

Other than the stadium, the county requires adequate sports infrastructure to address the immense talents in this part of the country, regarded as the second home of athletes.

Other than Kabarnet Stadium, the other is Eldama Ravine Stadium whose rehabilitation stalled after being started by former Sports Minister Helen Sambili in 2007.

Though planted with grass, its athletics track is in a sorry state.

Riamang’ura said Sh3 million was set aside in 2012/2013 financial year to jumpstart its rehabilitation.