Ruto announces installation of canopy at Nyayo Stadium starting January 2026
By Joel Masibo, December 12, 2025President William Ruto has announced that the government will begin installing a canopy at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium starting in January 2026, in a move aimed at improving comfort and safety for fans during major events.
Speaking during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the same venue, President Ruto said the upgrade follows the successful installation of a similar structure at Kasarani Stadium earlier in the year in readiness to host the 2024 African Nations Championship.
According to the President, the project is part of ongoing efforts to modernise the country’s sports infrastructure.
Ruto emphasised that the new canopy will ensure spectators are protected from harsh weather conditions, especially the scorching sun that often affects large public gatherings. He noted that this would be the last time Kenyans attend an event at Nyayo Stadium without shade.
Nyayo Stadium canopy installation
“I would like to talk about Nyayo Stadium. You all remember what we did at Kasarani. We installed a canopy so that when citizens are there, they are not scorched by the sun. I want to announce to you that starting in January, we will also install a canopy here at Nyayo Stadium. This is the last time citizens will be here being hit by the sun. Going forward, this stadium will have shade.” Ruto said.
The president also highlighted that the government is committed to elevating the stadium to world-class standards as Kenya seeks to host more international sporting events. The installation of the canopy is expected to enhance fan experience, upgrade the stadium’s aesthetics, and align it with modern global sports facility designs.
Sports infrastucture
The announcement comes as Kenya continues to invest heavily in sports, both to nurture local talent and to position the country as a preferred venue for continental competitions.
President William Ruto also announced that the under-construction Talanta Stadium will be named after the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga upon its completion in 2026.
Meanwhile, with actual construction set to begin in January 2026, sports enthusiasts and fans attending major celebrations can look forward to a more comfortable and modern Nyayo Stadium in the near future. Nyayo National Stadium is an 18,000-seater multipurpose stadium in Nairobi.
The stadium was built in 1983 with an initial capacity of 30,000.