CHAN 2024 Legacy: Kasarani and Nyayo Now Fit for Africa's Biggest Tournaments

The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) promises more than just electrifying football to Kenyan soil, it transforms two of Nairobi’s most iconic venues into world-class arenas.

According to reports, thanks to the major upgrades undertaken to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, both Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums have now been classified as Category Four stadiums, the highest possible designation under CAF’s stadium rating system.

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This elevation in status places the two stadia among Africa’s elite football venues, officially authorizing them to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), including the semi-finals and finals.

They can also stage the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals and finals, the prestigious CAF Super Cup, and any other top-tier tournament sanctioned by CAF.

These tournaments represent the pinnacle of African football, and Kenya’s new standing means local fans may soon witness such continental spectacles at home.

These milestone represents a significant leap in Kenya's sports infrastructure development.

In contrast, only stadiums rated as Category Three are permitted to host group-stage and quarter-final matches of CAF’s top club competitions, along with AFCON and FIFA World Cup qualifiers, CHAN qualifiers, and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournaments.

Category Two stadiums are limited to WAFCON qualifiers, youth-level AFCON qualifiers and finals, and preliminary rounds of continental club competitions while Category One stadiums are only cleared to host qualifiers for women’s youth competitions and the Women’s Champions League.

CAF’s stadium classification is determined by a detailed evaluation across eight criteria, including the pitch and surrounding areas, provisions for teams and officials, medical facilities, spectator areas, VIP and hospitality zones, media and broadcasting setups, and training grounds.

Based on their compliance with these requirements, stadiums are issued either full approval, temporary approval, one-match approval, or are declared unsuitable to host any CAF matches.

At Kasarani and Nyayo, the upgrades started with the playing surfaces as both venues now feature pitches with dimensions within the CAF standard range (100 to 110 metres in length and 64 to 75 metres in width), with dedicated warm-up areas alongside the main field.

The playing surface, whether natural grass, hybrid, or approved artificial turf, has been leveled and fitted with effective drainage and sprinkler systems.

Grass length is now maintained between 20 to 30 millimetres with essential components such as regulation-sized goalposts, corner flags, player tunnels, and fully covered substitute benches have also been installed.

Both venues now boast advanced floodlight systems delivering a minimum illumination of 1200 lux, and power redundancy through main lines, standby generators, and dedicated backup for LED advertising panels.

Each stadium now houses four spacious and ventilated dressing rooms for teams and two for match officials.

These changing areas come fully equipped with showers, individual toilets and urinals, massage tables, refrigerators, tactical boards, televisions, lockers for 25 players, and hot and cold water systems.

Anti-slip floor tiling and central viewing TVs help ensure hygiene and comfort. Match officials now benefit from internet connectivity, medical kits, match clocks, and all tools required for pre-match and in-game duties, including substitution boards and ball pressure gauges.

Additional infrastructure includes secure storage rooms, private spaces for ball boys and flag bearers, well-equipped offices for CAF officials, and meeting rooms laid out for strategic briefings. All these spaces are accessible via secure, direct pathways that maintain the integrity of team privacy and security.

With all these enhancements, Kasarani and Nyayo now stand not only as symbols of architectural achievement but also as gateways to Kenya’s emergence as a premier destination for continental and even global football events.