Nyayo Stadium will be ready for the 2024 African Nations Championships in February 2025, Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told Parliament on Wednesday.
Kenya will co-host the continent's third-tier competition on February 1-28, 2025, alongside Uganda and Tanzania in a dress rehearsal for the 2027 Cup of Nations.
Nyayo Stadium and Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi got CAF inspectors' nod to host the tournament with Bukhungu falling short.
“Initially after Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were awarded rights to host CHAN, the ministry identified Masinde Muliro Kanduyi Stadium, Bukhungu Stadium and Nyayo Stadium,” the CS said.
“However, when Caf inspectors visited the above facilities, they recommended Masinde Muliro and Nyayo Stadium as the eligible facilities to host the championships.”
Although there were initial concerns about the condition of the pitch at Nyayo Stadium, Murkomen said they were given the go-ahead after consultations with the parties keen to avoid delays.
“Initially we were told to change the football pitch but after consultations and agreements, it was decided that the grass is sufficient for the championships in order not to delay renovations,” said Murkomen.
“The renovation works are currently at 10 per cent and we expect the stadium to be ready by December.”
Priority upgrades at the stadium include roofing, VVIP seating and enhancing the floodlights to meet the 3,000 LUX requirement.
Other upgrades include new access controls, an enhanced audio-visual system, installations of VAR and CCTV, improved changing rooms and a doping control area.
Renovation works at Masinde Muliro were completed on June 30 with phase two — roofing — expected to be over by October 24.
For training venues, Police Sacco Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex will be upgraded to meet CAF standards.
“Both Police Sacco and Ulinzi (Complex) will serve as training grounds during the tournament, with works underway to bring them up to scratch,” Murkomen noted.
Regarding the 2027 Cup of Nations, Murkomen said construction of the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports Stadium is at 23 per cent complete. They expect it to be ready by December 2025.
Meanwhile, the renovation of Moi Stadium, Kasarani is at 47 per cent with the contractor targeting to be done by January 2025.
Kasarani’s renovations include seat installations, pitch refurbishment, changing rooms upgrade, media centre and roofing.
Murkomen reiterated the ministry's commitment to fast-tracking the completion of all stalled sports infrastructure projects nationwide.
He advocated for private sector involvement in managing the facilities.
“The ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to completing all ongoing and stalled sports infrastructure projects across the country,” said Murkomen.
“To ensure our stadiums are well-maintained and profitable, partnerships with private entities are crucial. This will reduce the strain on public resources while keeping the facilities sustainable."
