Kasarani Stadium, Kenya’s iconic cathedral of sports, is inching closer to completion and will be ready to host test matches by June; setting the stage for the country’s historic debut as hosts of the 2025 African Nations Championship (Chan).

With major refurbishments nearly done and final touches underway, Sports CS Salim Mvurya has assured fans that the national facility is on track to meet CAF standards ahead of a busy football calendar that also includes preparations for Afcon 2027.

So far, the roofing and canopy have been erected and are in good shape. In addition, the floodlights meet the recommended standards of 2,500 lux illumination required for both Chan and Afcon competitions. The stadium has six Changing rooms, all ready for use, along with the much-needed medical rooms.

CS Mvurya and Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, flanked by their respective Principal Secretaries Elijah Mwangi and Patrick Mariru, conducted inspections at the venue yesterday evening and gave assurances of meeting the stringent deadlines set by CAF to complete the renovation works.

“We have had a high-level meeting between the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Defence at this (Kasarani) facility and also conducted a quick inspection. Basically, we were reviewing the progress of all sports infrastructure for Chan and the 2027 Afcon. We are very happy with the steps made thus far since there is visible transformation. Most of the work has been done on this Kasarani Stadium, and what remains is just software in nature. For example: the media rooms, VAR room and equipment, and the screens,” CS Mvurya remarked.

Kenya’s Chan team is expected to hit camp next month, once the local football season concludes. The team could have the privilege of sampling the new-look Kasarani should there be plans to invite other teams for build-up matches before the tournament in August.

The next fixture for Harambee Stars in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers is in September, at home against The Gambia and Seychelles. However, the team has the opportunity to invite home fans to Kasarani through a friendly match in June as well.

“We want to ensure that all the remaining works are done on time so that we can proceed with test matches on this ground. Already, we have said that no match for Harambee Stars will be played outside the country. Therefore, my assurance is that any other international match will be staged here from June this year. By June, we will be seeing more test matches at Kasarani Stadium,” Mvurya added.

CS Tuya, on her part, reiterated the need for urgency in the completion of the facility in readiness for the two premier African men’s football competitions and ensuring value for money.