China hands glowing stadium to Kenya

NAIROBI - Kenya's premier sporting facility, Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, rediscovered its glow after two years of facelift works worth $12.5 million backed by the Chinese government.

Vandalism, neglect and lack of funding have seen the sports facility masterpiece lay in decay, until the Chinese came calling with aim of restoring its past glory.

Like many countries in Africa, who have benefited from the latest stadium technology from Beijing, Kenya will join that illustrious list, albeit its facility was build back in 1987 to host the fourth All Africa Games.

Sports Assistant Minister Kabando Wa Kabando was at hand to receive the documentation from Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Guangyuan. The contract to renovate the facility was awarded to Shengli Construction Company from China.

The Chinese firm took the challenging job of restoring the glamor and flame of the iconic stadium that stood out as pillar of Africa sports stardom in the 1980's.

"Our co-operation with Kenya has been long and beneficial on both ends. China built this facility back in 1980's and it has continued to play an important role in the development of sports in the country and the region. The facility remains a symbol of the friendship between Kenya and China," Liu Guangyuan told reporters here on Thursday.

Liu said China will build a golf course and a motor cross track at the expansive facility in the subsequent phases of renovation that has been approved by both Nairobi and Beijing governments.

However, China will continue to work with local officials in restoring and maintaining the high standard on the facility as it can continue to attract and stage international tournaments.

The latest international competition that Kasarani Stadium has staged was the Africa Swimming Championships, which brought together 12 countries from South Africa to Egypt, Morocco to Madagascar.

"China and Kenya have been dominating international competitions in different disciplines. It is right to have the two countries co-operate in areas of their excellence and enhance exchange in training programs," Liu said.

Kabando confirmed that the giant sports facility has done well in raising the Kenya's profile in hosting regional and international events.

"We want to see more of these facilities in Africa and in Kenya. The country is ready to challenge the world in sports and with such world class facility, only time will tell," said Kabando.

The minister confirmed that a motor sports track and golf course as well as an international sports academy will be built by the Chinese on the facility, which is sitting on 100 acre (41 hectare) piece of land east of Nairobi suburbs.

"Already a bill is in Parliament, which will give us the authority to set up such an academy," said Kabando.

He asked fans to be careful and take good care of the facility whenever they attend matches.