Updated progress of Tartan Track Installation, New Perimeter Wall at Nyayo National Stadium Ahead of CHAN 2024 [VIDEO]

A tartan track is being layed at Nyayo National Stadium, and a new perimeter wall is being erected around Nyayo National Stadium.

Renovation works at Nyayo National Stadium aimed at completing the installation of a new tartan track, as well as a perimeter wall around the arena’s compound are making fine progress as Kenya prepares to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) next August.

Kenya, alongside East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, will be co-hosting the tournament, as well as the returning 2025 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup as part of their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the region will also be hosting.

Earlier this week, there were concerning reports circulating around that the country’s facilities were not ready to host the tournament three months away from the competition after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the decision to postpone the tournament from February.

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The CAF  inspectors were in Kenya from Thursday to Saturday last week looking at the proposed venues to host the matches as well as training facilities and they were not impressed with most of them.

This is because the playing surfaces at both Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, the two venues earmarked to host matches, were deemed not to be up to the required standards while some training venues such as Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County were far from done.

This is surprising, considering the same committee had rendered Nyayo Stadium fit for purpose last March as Harambee Stars hosted Gabon in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the same venue.

Although there is optimism Kenya will still host the tournament having already payed 1.6 Billion Shillings hosting rights fee, the government has still made efforts to continue revamping the stadium.

A video released by Kitaka Abel now shows that the leveling works on the tartan track have now been completed, with the only thing remaining being the laying of a new tartan track.

The stadium was supposed to host the 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic, but the event was shifted to the Ulinzi Sports Complex given the delays enforced by bad weather in the country, as well as inadequate manpower.There is optimism the track will have been installed before then - and even so, it should not have much bearing on the football -.

However, work is being done to ensure the grass will be in mint condition to host the tournament. 

Meanwhile, all floodlights were installed, and the dressing rooms were rendered fit enough for use. 

Security and Infrastructure Upgrades Underway

Outside the stadium, the contractor is in a race against time to ensure a new perimeter wall is completed in order to beef up security and ensure more efficiency in ticket verification when the tournament commences.

As it stands, the old wall has already been demolished, and work is underway to construct a new one. It is also expected that turnstiles to control fan entry will also be installed as part of the process.

With just a few months to go before the 2024 CHAN tournament kicks off, all eyes will be on Kenya to deliver on its promise to provide world-class facilities for the continental showpiece. 

While concerns remain about the pace of the upgrades, the ongoing efforts at Nyayo National Stadium—coupled with government commitment and regional collaboration—offer hope that the country will be ready in time.

 Successful completion of these renovations will not only safeguard Kenya’s role as a co-host for CHAN 2024 but also strengthen its credentials ahead of the much-anticipated 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.