This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
September 28, 2019
For years, the Gilgil Sub-county Stadium has been a shadow of its former self, with sports taking a backseat due to poor infrastructure.
However, the stadium is now rising from the ashes as the Nakuru County government has begun renovating the neglected facility in the heart of Gilgil township.
A modern changing room with six toilets and bathrooms and a caretaker's office is the first step towards giving the pitch a new lease on life.
The renovation is part of the county government's initiative to refurbish sports facilities in the cosmopolitan county.
Some of the talented sports stars who have sprung up from Gilgil include former Sofapaka coach John Baraza, who started his trade in Gilgil while playing for the defunct Gilgil Telecommunication Industries (GTI).
Other players who started their careers at the Gilgil stadium and are now playing in top-flight soccer include Obadiah Ndege and Hillary Wandera, both of Tusker FC, and Ulinzi Stars' second-choice goalkeeper Jeckton Odhiambo.
According to George Ouma, a representative of Gilgil in the Naivasha FKF sub-branch, the stadium had been allocated Sh3 million for renovation in the past regime but nothing was done.
However, the county government has promised to construct fans' sheds and the money will be included in the supplementary budget in the subsequent financial estimates, said Jane Wangui, the area MCA.
The renovation is being done in phases, with the contractor expected to complete the dressing rooms and toilets in the next one or two months.
