Nakuru Residents Rebel as County Eyes Historic Afraha Annex for Housing Project

A wave of anger has swept through Nakuru County after officials announced plans to repurpose the Afraha Annex—adjacent to the famed Afraha Stadium—into an affordable housing site. The move, linked to the national housing programme championed by William Ruto, sparked immediate public backlash when a county-government Facebook post revealed the proposed conversion. The disclosure triggered protests, with sports clubs, youth groups and community activists taking to the streets to demand the land’s preservation.
The Afraha Annex has long served as a vital sports and recreation space, hosting training sessions for local clubs, schools and even track events. Critics say the county’s plan bypassed formal public-participation requirements and risked violating laws on public land use and sport facility preservation. The local branch of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) demanded suspension of the project, citing absent approvals from key agencies such as the National Land Commission and the stadium management board. They argue that the county’s shift of the annex into residential units would compromise the full stadium upgrade funded by the World Bank.
Public reactions have been strident and divided. Sports coaches and clubs warned that losing the annex would limit training space and dampen Nakuru’s athletic pipeline. At the same time, the county government, via its communications director, described the Facebook post as a mistake and assured residents that the stadium grounds would not be touched—though questions remain about the timing and transparency of the consultation process.
Looking ahead, the fate of the Afraha Annex project now hinges on whether the county proceeds without full stakeholder engagement or opts for an alternate site. Legal experts warn that proceeding without due process could trigger a judicial challenge and potential annulment of the housing plans. For residents and athletes alike, the priority is clear: enforce participation and preserve community-assets before development moves forward.