Mashemeji Derby Venue Earmarked For AFCON 2027 Set For More Upgrades

The newly revamped Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County is set to host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, even as final touches are being made to its upgrade.

The stadium, which is being transformed into a modern facility with a seating capacity of over 12,000, is among several key sporting venues undergoing refurbishment in preparation for Kenya’s role as co-host of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, during an inspection tour of the stadium accompanied by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, expressed satisfaction with the progress.

“We have done an inspection of this facility, the VIP area and also the terraces and we are satisfied, all of us, that good work has happened and Homa Bay County is ready,” said CS Mvurya via KCB on Saturday.

Barely 24 hours after the Madaraka Day celebrations, the stadium will face its first major test by hosting the rescheduled Mashemeji Derby between arch-rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on June 2.

The high-stakes fixture will not only test the stadium’s readiness but also spotlight the region’s rich football culture.

CS Mvurya also noted that additional improvements are underway, including the installation of a tartan track and other auxiliary facilities to make the stadium a comprehensive sports hub.

“We will do a tartan track so that we can have athletes. We've already asked our teams to make an assessment, including the grass you see here. If we find that it is not as per our standards, we will replace it,” he said.

Raila Odinga Stadium is part of a broader national upgrade that includes other venues such as Kasarani, Nyayo, Bukhungu, and Kirigiti stadiums, as well as the upcoming Talanta City Stadium.

These renovations align with Kenya’s ambitions to successfully co-host the African Nations Championship this August and the 2027 AFCON tournament.