UPDATE: Kasarani Stadium enters phase II of renovations as ministry insists AFCON 2027 is the target

Kenya plans to use Kasarani, Nyayo, Kipchoge Keino and Talanta stadia for AFCON 2027

UPDATE: Kasarani Stadium enters phase II of renovations as ministry insists AFCON 2027 is the target

Stephen Awino 12:26 - 09.02.2025

Kasarani has been earmarked for AFCON 2027 while renovations works will ensure the stadium joins Nyayo for hosting the postponed 2024 CHAN matches.

The Ministry of Sports has conducted yet another inspection of Kasarani Stadium as preparations continue for the postponed African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August 2025 and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The local organizing committee, alongside Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum, assured the nation that preparations are on track, with the government expressing satisfaction with the progress made so far.

Accompanied by the local organizing committee, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, and representatives from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), officials toured Kasarani Stadium on Thursday to assess the ongoing renovations.

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The stadium is being specifically prepared for AFCON 2027, with the first phase of renovations completed in time to host CHAN.

"Kasarani is being prepared specifically for AFCON 2027," said Sports PS Peter Tum via KTN.

"Although we had the first phase completed early enough to host CHAN," he added.

Significant progress has been made in upgrading Kasarani Stadium to meet CAF standards.

The playing surface has been fixed, with grass now covering the field except for the running track, which will be laid in the second phase of renovations.

The metal structure of the canopy has been erected, and the VIP area is already covered. Initially, CAF required only 25% of the canopy to be completed, a milestone that has been achieved on the VIP side.

In addition, new floodlights recommended by CAF are being installed, with some already mounted on the roofing structures even before the canopy’s full completion.

Seat installation is progressing rapidly, with only a few sections remaining, including the VIP area, which will feature mobile seats. Unlike in the past, all stadium seats will now be equipped with backrests to enhance spectator comfort.

The first two phases of the stadium’s renovations are expected to be completed by April 2025. Efforts are being accelerated to ensure Kenya is fully prepared to host the upcoming tournaments.

"We intend to finish the first two phases of this stadium by April," Tum stated.

"That’s why you can see most of the work has already been done in these phases. We are bringing them forward to ensure we are fully prepared for AFCON."

Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, is set to co-host the postponed 2024 CHAN tournament in August 2025, followed by the AFCON tournament in 2027.

Once the second phase of renovations is completed, CAF officials will visit the stadium for a final inspection before granting full approval for Kenya’s AFCON hosting plans.

Kasarani will be complemented by Nyayo National Stadium for the August 2025 CHAN football extravaganza.

For the AFCON 2027 tournament, Kasarani and Nyayo will be joined by the under-construction Talanta City Stadium and the renovated Kipchoge Keino Stadium to ensure Kenya meets CAF’s hosting requirements for the continental showpiece.

Footballing wise Harambee Stars are gearing for action in tough Group A where they were drawn with giants Morocco, Angola, DRC and Zambia.