This archive report was first published on 25 May 2020.
Located in the scenic Kerio Valley, Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, was once a beacon of hope for local athletes. However, the stadium has been left in a state of disrepair, forcing athletes to train on roads and other makeshift tracks.
As of 2020, the stadium's construction had stalled in 2017, leaving behind mounds of soil and uneven grounds. The project, which was initially awarded to a contractor in 2017, was supposed to be completed with a capacity of 2,000 spectators.
Despite the efforts of the county government, which constructed changing rooms and an office, the project remains incomplete. The stadium's neglect has had a significant impact on the local athletes, who are now forced to travel to other towns for training.
According to Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed, the paperwork for the Kamariny project has been done, and the project is expected to commence soon. President Uhuru Kenyatta has expressed his desire to see progress on the sports facilities, which have taken long to complete.
‘Paperwork has been done’ and works should be resuming anytime from now,” said Amina Mohamed during her tour in Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret on Thursday.
With the closure of the stadium, many athletes are now forced to travel to the Tambach Teachers Training College track, University of Eldoret, and Moi University-Annex Campus for training. There is also Lorna Kiplagat Sports Academy stadium, which is a private property and requires a tidy sum to use the well-laid tartan track.
These are the only good tracks in a region that has nurtured many world beaters. In 2016, Elgeyo-Marakwet County allocated Sh60 million to construct a pavilion and to improve the running track, but midway through, the national government announced that it would build a new modern stadium at the site.
As of May 20, 2020, the stadium's condition was a stark reminder of the neglect and broken promises that have plagued the project. The earth road leading to the stadium was in a sorry state, and a broken gate sealed with iron sheets welcomed visitors to the site.
