The upgrading of Kenya's Nyayo Stadium will be delayed for up to six months
The venue will remain operational to host the fourth edition of the KipKieno Classic
Construction of other stadiums reserved for the 2027 AFCON will proceed as planned

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Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has confirmed a delay in the upgrade of Nyayo National Stadium.

The iconic venue will remain operational to host the upcoming fourth edition of the KipKieno Classic, a Continental Gold Tour scheduled for April 20, 2024.

During a meeting with members of the Sports Journalist Association of Kenya (SJAK) Executive Committee at Talanta Hela Plaza, Namwamba explained that the stadium's construction would be deferred for up to six months due to international commitments.

Nyayo National Stadium will host the KipKeino Classic. Photo: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP. — Nyayo National Stadium upgrades will be delayed. Photo: Yasuyoshi Chiba/AFP.
Source: AFP

These include the KipKeino Classic Continental Gold Tour and two World Cup qualifiers featuring Harambee Stars against Burundi and Ivory Coast.

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The Sports CS stressed that the ongoing construction at Kasarani Stadium, designated for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), necessitated Nyayo Stadium's upgrade delay.

"Nyayo Stadium remains our only option for international events, and it would be disheartening to witness our home World Cup qualifiers played in another country. Hence, the decision to delay Nyayo's upgrade is for valid reasons," explained Ababu, as quoted by Citizen Digital.

Meanwhile, the construction of other stadiums reserved for the 2027 AFCON will proceed as planned.

This development comes just two months after the closure of the renowned Moi International Stadium Kasarani for extensive renovations ahead of the 2027 East Africa co-hosted event.

The ceremonial event, conducted within the stadium on December 15, 2023, saw the presence of key figures such as Cabinet Secretary of Sports Ababu Namwamba, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum, and Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru.

The Ministry is committed to aligning with the recommendations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and fulfilling its Sports Infrastructure Master Plan through a thorough overhaul of Kasarani Stadium.

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"We are devoted to turning Kasarani into a stadium of global standards within the next 12 months. This transformation will be executed with a focus on timeliness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, all while adhering to the highest standards," stated PS Tum, as reported by People Daily.

The 40-year-old stadium is poised to undergo enhancements across various areas, including the canopy, terraces, changing rooms, washrooms, media centers, lighting, drainage systems, and coded seats.