In preparation for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday, November 4, 2024, visited the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to assess the ongoing renovations.
Murkomen in a statement shared via his official X account has confirmed that work on the stadium remains on schedule, aligning with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements to bring the venue up to international standards.
Murkomen on sports infrastructure
The renovations at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, along with the construction of the new Talanta Sports City, Murkomen says, represent a significant investment in Kenya’s sports infrastructure.
He also stated that the projects not only aim to meet CAF and FIFA standards but also position Kenya as a key player in Africa’s sports landscape.
With CHAN just around the corner, Murkomen says the Ministry of Sports is focused on ensuring that both local fans and international visitors experience top-tier facilities, capable of hosting large-scale events, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The CHAN tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1-28, 2025.
“With the CHAN tournament approaching, it’s essential to implement the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recommendations to stay on track. This afternoon, I assessed the ongoing renovation works at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani,” Murkomen stated.
“I’m pleased to confirm that we are on schedule to deliver a modern facility capable of hosting both CHAN and AFCON competitions. The upgrades at Kasarani and Nyayo, together with the construction of Talanta Sports City, prepare the venues to only meet international standards but also elevate Kenya’s status as a sports hub in Africa.”
With the CHAN tournament approaching, it’s essential to implement the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recommendations to stay on track.
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) November 4, 2024
This afternoon, I assessed the ongoing renovation works at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. I’m pleased to confirm that we… pic.twitter.com/2w5yhqF6m4
Renovations at Kasarani
Last month, Murkomen was forced to address concerns regarding the replanting of grass at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani following reports that CAF had instructed Kenya to uproot the recently planted turf.
The decision came after the continental football body recommended that the grass used was not up to their standards.
Speaking at the Talanta Sports Plaza on October 23, 2024, where he hosted the Rising Stars squad fresh from their qualification for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Murkomen assured the public that CAF’s recommendations were being fully implemented.
“As a country, we have gone to great lengths to invite experts from CAF. They came here and have provided us with a fantastic report on how we can improve the grass surfaces both at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium,” Murkomen explained.
Kasarani Stadium has been undergoing renovations since last year, with upgrades being carried out to prepare for both CHAN 2024 and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.