Ruto pledges full canopy for Kipchoge Keino Stadium
He singled out Wilson Kiprugut, who won Kenya’s first Olympic medal, a bronze in the 800 metres at the 1964 Tokyo Games, and Kipchoge Keino, who claimed gold in the 1,500 metres at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
President William Ruto has pledged to complete the construction of a full canopy at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret in the coming months as the government steps up investment in sports infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking at the stadium during today’s commemoration of the 63rd Mashujaa Day celebrations, Ruto said the government was committed to developing modern sporting facilities to nurture talent, create opportunities for young people and position Kenya as a destination for major international competitions.
He said the planned upgrades would include the modernisation of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the development of Raila Odinga International Stadium in Talanta City as part of preparations for the continental football tournament, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
“These investments will nurture talent, create opportunities and strengthen our country’s place in international sports,” Ruto said, reaffirming his commitment to completing the canopy at the Eldoret facility.
The president used the national celebrations in the home of champions to honour Kenya’s rich sporting heritage, paying tribute to athletes whose achievements established the country as a global athletics powerhouse.
He singled out Wilson Kiprugut, who won Kenya’s first Olympic medal, a bronze in the 800 metres at the 1964 Tokyo Games, and Kipchoge Keino, who claimed gold in the 1,500 metres at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
Ruto also celebrated Charles Asati, Hezekiah Nyamau, Robert Ouko and Julius Sang, who won gold in the men’s 4×400 metres relay at the 1972 Munich Olympics, describing their triumph as an enduring example of teamwork and national unity.
He praised contemporary athletes, including Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Peres Jepchirchir, Faith Cherotich and Lilian Odira, for continuing to raise Kenya’s profile on the international stage and inspiring young people to pursue sporting excellence.
The president also recognised athletes whose contributions may not feature prominently in official records, saying their dedication had helped sustain Kenya’s sporting tradition across generations.
Drawing lessons from athletics, Ruto urged Kenyans to embrace teamwork and collective responsibility in pursuing national development.
“In a relay race, no athlete wins alone. Each runner must receive the baton, run their part with courage and determination, and pass it on without losing sight of the team’s purpose,” he said.
He added that Kenya’s sporting ambitions should extend beyond producing world-class athletes to developing facilities capable of hosting major international competitions and welcoming visitors from across the world.
