Narok races to upgrade stadium as KPL set to hit town

Several Kenyan Premier League (KPL) clubs are mulling over using Narok Stadium as their official home ground for the 2017 season.

Newly promoted sides, Kariobangi Sharks and Zoo Kericho FC, have emerged front-runners amid the news Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani are set for closure to pave way for renovations in readiness for the Nairobi IAAF World Under 18 Championships.

The stadium hosted its first high profile match, a friendly clash between league giants AFC Leopards and Narok All Stars, and which as a measure of their readiness to host top flight games likely to attract huge crowds.

According to Narok County Sports Director, Ben Paul Kariuki, lack of a fence screen is the only requirement knocking the facility off the KPL threshold.

With barely two weeks left before the league’s kick off, Kariuki is holding on to the County’s dreams of being home to a top flight club as they race to ensure the stadium is up to acceptable standards.

“When Sharks first visited here, they told us what we need to do in order to be allowed to host KPL games so we’re making the necessary steps. We need to guarantee player safety by keeping fans at bay in case rivalries turn violent.

“I’m waiting for official communication from these clubs because so far, there have not been any written requests. It’s a new stadium and has attracted a lot of interest but we’re ready to welcome any team,” Kariuki told Citizen Digital.

Slightly over Ksh300m has been spent on Narok Stadium construction works with a planned track upgrade set to increase its budget.

“We have an eight line running truck, which will is ready for use but will be upgraded later, the tartan track might use close to Ksh200m so that will be done later.

“Only two games have so far been played here – the Governors Cup Finals last month and the Leopards versus Sharks friendly,” the Narok Sports boss explained.

Narok showed an overwhelming promise of greeting the football frenzy wholeheartedly when a 10,000-strong group of fans thronged the 5000-seater stadium to watch one Kenya’s most decorated clubs.