Namwamba defends Nyayo, Kasarani stadium closures as Harambee Stars set to host Burundi in Malawi
By Joel Sang, May 15, 2024
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has defended the ongoing renovation works at the main stadiums in the country.
Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, and various other facilities have been closed for renovation even when the national teams have lined up international duties.
On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, it became clear that Harambee Stars would host the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Burundi at Bingu National Stadium in Malawi, the Burundi federation announced.
To Namwamba, the renovations going on are welcome, he says, because the facilities have been neglected for a long time.
“It is common knowledge that we have closed Nyayo, Kasarani, and Kipchoge Keino Eldoret for major upgrading, while we are heavily investing in the new Talanta Sports City alongside other regional facilities countrywide.
“There is nothing unfortunate about sports events being hosted at Ulinzi Sports Complex. The high stakes U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier return match against Ethiopia will be hosted at the same venue,” Namwamba said in a social media post.
Learning from Uganda, Rwanda
The CS said it is good for the country to learn from Rwanda and Uganda, which closed their main stadiums and renovated them to international standards.
“We are correcting a mess accumulated over many years. For long, Kenya’s sports facilities have been neglected and handled way too casually. Not any more.”
“Uganda started renovating Nelson Mandela Namboole Stadium in 2020. They have just reopened it this month and are reaping the benefits of a long-term investment of four years. Rwanda started rebuilding Amahoro Stadium in 2019. The results are before our eyes after five years,” the former Budalangi Member of Parliament added.
Although the renovations are going to cause some inconveniences, Namwamba said they are going to give way to a permanent solution.
“We urge all Kenyans to support the full implementation of our revolutionary Sports and Creative Infrastructure Masterplan.
“It is a transformative game-changer. Some temporary inconveniences will give way to a permanent solution. By the time we are done in a couple of years, Kenya will be miles ahead of all of our neighbours,” he concluded.
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