Government Reveals When Contractor Will Hand Over Kasarani, Nyayo Stadia Ahead of CHAN 2024

Sports CS Salim Mvurya has revealed the exact date when both Kasarani and Nyayo Stadia will officially be handed over to CAF ahead of CHAN 2024 which commences in August.

The Kenyan government has officially confirmed that the Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani) and Nyayo National Stadium will be handed over to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on June 25, in readiness for the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024) scheduled to kick off on August 2 .

Kenya will be co-hosting the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda, before then joining hands together to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking following an impromptu visit to both stadia, as well as the Talanta Sports City on Tuesday, the government revealed with surety when both stadia, as well as training grounds, will be handed over to CAF.

“We want to confirm to everyone that, yes, Kenya is ready, and the two tournaments will be held without any hitches,” affirmed National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee chairman Dan Wanyama on Tuesday.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya reiterated the assurances.

“We have inspected the facilities and observed the ongoing work at this field and all the other venues — including training grounds in Police Sacco, Nyayo, and Kasarani. 

“We’ve been assured that the handover will take place on the 25th of this month, and everyone is working hard to meet that deadline.”

He further detailed that the renovation efforts are dual-purposed for both CHAN and the upcoming AFCON 2027, with approximately 86% of the work across both projects now complete

“We are confident and very comfortable with the progress so far,” Mvurya added.

CAF’s Stance

Earlier this month, CAF has expressed cautious optimism following recent inspections but also flagged outstanding issues that require swift resolution. CAF Secretary-General Veron Mosengo‑Omba observed dramatic improvements compared to December 2024, noting that “there was no grass on different pitches; today, you can even play golf there,” and acknowledged that stadium canopies and seating at Kasarani are nearing completion

However, CAF also flagged details such as floodlighting, VAR equipment, dressing room water supply, media tribune, and final pitch works, stating that “small issues are not acceptable”

 The governing body has stressed that failure to meet CHAN standards could jeopardize Kenya’s joint bid to host AFCON 2027.

Update on Training Grounds

CAF inspectors gave the first full approval to the Ulinzi Sports Complex, designating it fit for CHAN training sessions. 

Meanwhile, training venues like Police Sacco, Kirigiti, and the Kasarani Annex are still undergoing final touches to meet CAF requirements. The readiness of training facilities is seen as crucial, as CHAN features only home-based players, making venue quality a competitive advantage.

CHAN 2024, officially titled the 2024 African Nations Championship, was postponed from February to August 2–30, 2025, to allow venues time to meet CAF standards.

Renovation at Kasarani includes new floodlighting, enhanced seating, canopy roofs, and VAR installation.

 Nyayo Stadium’s upgrades include improved playing surfaces, increased floodlight strength, upgraded media tribune, air‑conditioned changing rooms, and enhanced security measures like expanded CCTV coverage

Why it Matters

The June 25 handover deadline sets a clear timeline for final inspections, testing, and logistical planning well ahead of the August 2 tournament start. The green-lit Ulinzi Complex ensures at least one fully match-ready training venue, while the nation eagerly awaits the final touches on Kasarani and Nyayo.

With CHAN rapidly approaching, Kenya faces a race against time to both meet CAF’s high standards and safeguard its broader continental hosting ambitions.