Afraha Stadium is the principal sports facility in Nakuru City and one of Kenya’s most historic sporting venues. Opened in 1948, the stadium has served for decades as a centre for football, athletics, political gatherings, cultural events, and public celebrations. It is best known as the traditional home ground of Ulinzi Stars Football Club and has hosted numerous national and regional sporting competitions.
In addition to its sporting legacy, Afraha Stadium has been one of Nakuru’s most prominent venues for political rallies, national celebrations, public meetings, and civic events, making it a significant landmark in both Kenya’s sporting and political history.
For many years, Afraha Stadium had a seating capacity of approximately 8,200 spectators and was among the most important sports venues in Kenya’s Rift Valley region.
Historical Significance
Since its establishment during the colonial era, Afraha Stadium has played a major role in the sporting and social life of Nakuru. The facility has hosted football matches involving top Kenyan clubs, athletics competitions, national celebrations, political rallies, and community events.
The stadium became particularly associated with Ulinzi Stars, one of Kenya’s most successful football clubs, which won Kenya Premier League titles in 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010. It has also served as a venue for Nakuru AllStars and other local teams.
Modernization Project
On 29 January 2021, the Nakuru County Government officially launched a major rehabilitation and expansion project to transform Afraha Stadium into a modern sports and conference facility that meets international standards.
The project was initiated during the administration of Governor Lee Kinyanjui and formed part of a broader strategy to position Nakuru as a leading destination for sports tourism, conferences, and talent development. The first phase was estimated to cost approximately KSh 650 million and was expected to be completed within fourteen months.
The modernisation plans included:
- Expansion of spectator capacity toward a long-term target of 20,000 seats.
- Installation of an international-standard tartan athletics track.
- Rehabilitation of the football pitch.
- Construction of modern VIP and hospitality facilities.
- Installation of floodlights for night matches.
- Improved parking and access infrastructure.
- Enhanced security and spectator amenities.
KDF Takeover and Phase Two Construction
Following delays experienced during earlier stages of implementation, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) was assigned responsibility for completing the project in partnership with the Nakuru County Government.
On 13 November 2025, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika joined Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya to officially launch Phase Two of the stadium’s construction.
The second phase included:
- Construction of the third and fourth spectator pavilions.
- Expansion of seating capacity from approximately 8,000 to about 13,000 seats.
- Additional public washrooms and sanitation facilities.
- Expanded parking areas.
- New perimeter fencing.
- Construction of two new access roads.
Governor Kihika stated that the upgraded facility would strengthen sports development, create opportunities for young athletes, and reinforce Nakuru’s position as a major sporting hub. Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya affirmed the KDF’s commitment to delivering the project to high standards while creating employment opportunities for local residents.
Return of Sporting Activities
Even as construction continued, Afraha Stadium gradually resumed hosting sporting events. One of the most notable events held at the venue during this period was the launch of the inaugural Nakuru County Governor’s Cup on 13 June 2026.
The countywide football tournament attracted more than 3,000 spectators and marked the return of large-scale football activity to the stadium. The event symbolised the renewed importance of Afraha Stadium as a centre for sports development and youth engagement in Nakuru County.
Legacy
For more than seven decades, Afraha Stadium has remained one of Nakuru’s most recognisable landmarks. From hosting elite football matches and athletics competitions to serving as a venue for public gatherings and county events, the stadium continues to play a significant role in the sporting, social, and cultural history of Nakuru.
As modernisation works continue, Afraha Stadium is expected to remain a cornerstone of sports development and public life in Nakuru County for generations to come.
