Kenyan Stadia Face the Drum Ahead of CHAN 2024 Amid CAF Pressure

Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums have undergone CAF inpsection. (Credit: Imago)

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Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums have undergone CAF inpsection. (Credit: Imago)

Kenyan Stadia Face the Drum Ahead of CHAN 2024 Amid CAF Pressure

Stephen Awino 14:39 - 23.05.2025

Kenya faces a critical CAF inspection to assess the readiness of its stadiums for the postponed 2024 CHAN tournament.

Kenya is at a critical juncture as it prepares for an important Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection that will determine the country’s readiness to co-host the postponed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The continental tournament, now scheduled for August, will be held jointly with neighbouring countries Uganda and Tanzania under the “East Africa Pamoja” bid.

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Kasarani and Nyayo Under Scrutiny

Kasarani Stadium
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya leads assessment at Kasarani Stadium, earmarked for 2024 CHAN and 2027 AFCON. (Credit: MOYASA)

At the heart of Kenya’s preparations are the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium, both designated as the primary venues for the CHAN fixtures within Kenya.

These flagship stadiums were closed in 2023 for renovations, with initial projections aiming for completion by late 2024.

However, infrastructure setbacks in all three host nations prompted the postponement of the tournament, which was originally slated for February 2025.

Despite being further along than Kenya in their preparations, Uganda and Tanzania were also finalizing their venue readiness.

With August now confirmed as the new tournament window, attention returns to Kenya’s progress.

According to Citizen Digital, CAF’s third vice president, Pierre Alain Mounguengui, is leading a high-stakes delegation to inspect Kenya’s stadiums and training facilities.

The Gabonese official arrived in Nairobi on Thursday after conducting a similar inspection in Kampala, Uganda.

Kenya's Stadium Readiness

Nyayo Stadium
Nyayo Stadium tartan track undergoing facelift.

Both Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums are reportedly in the final stages of renovation.

Nyayo Stadium had temporarily received preliminary approval from CAF, hosting high-profile matches including Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon and the famed Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

However, recent developments have raised concerns, with Nyayo once again closed for additional work, specifically, renovations to its Tartan track.

Meanwhile, Kasarani remains a work in progress and was recently deemed unfit to host the second leg of the Mashemeji Derby, raising questions about its readiness.

Beyond the main venues, other facilities expected to support the tournament, including the Ulinzi Sports Complex and Police Sacco Stadium, are reportedly in a state of readiness.

These venues will play a crucial auxiliary role in accommodating training sessions and potentially lower-tier matches.