Why slot to host CHAN, AFCON slipped Kisumu

Kisumu’s dream of hosting international football matches in the upcoming CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027 has been dashed, as the county government admits it has failed to meet FIFA standards for its stadiums. Insufficient funding and long delays in upgrading Moi and Mamboleo stadiums have left the lakeside city unprepared, forcing officials to shelve their ambitious plans.

According to Kisumu County Chief Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Sports, Culture & Arts, Beatrice Odongo, the county has been unable to meet the necessary requirements for hosting international games.

She admitted that the city was not ready to host key sporting events, citing significant delays and insufficient funding for the development of sports facilities, including Moi Stadium and Mamboleo Stadium. 

“When the FIFA team inspected the facilities, they informed us that we were far from ready and could not host the games,” Odongo explained. “It is unfortunate that we will not host such prestigious events, but we must face the reality of our situation.” 

Under FIFA’s strict regulations, stadiums must meet specific criteria regarding seating, VIP facilities, changing rooms, walling and ticketing booths – all of which Kisumu’s facilities lacked.

Work on upgrading the stadiums and infrastructure began in 2019, with Kisumu’s Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o expressing optimism that hosting international games would boost sports tourism and positively impact Kisumu’s local economy. 

However, despite the initial enthusiasm, the necessary renovations and constructions were not completed on time. “

This was our Waterloo,” Odongo remarked, acknowledging that the city had fallen short in its efforts to prepare the facilities. 

One of the primary challenges faced by the county in meeting the requirements was a severe lack of funds.

In the 2019 county budget, Kisumu allocated Sh1.3 billion for the modernisation of its sports facilities, with a particular focus on the legendary Moi Stadium. 

However, only about Sh89 million was released, and little to no progress was made in the required upgrades.

“Nothing more was spent, and it was not enough to bring us up to the international standards that FIFA requires,” Odongo added. 

Looking ahead, the county government is taking proactive steps to find solutions for the future. 

Odongo revealed that they have submitted a request for an additional Sh150 million in the current financial year, hoping the funds will enable the county to continue working towards its vision of creating world-class sports facilities. 

“We remain committed to modernising our sports infrastructure, and we are hopeful that with this new budget allocation, we can move forward,” she stated.

Odongo emphasized that the county is not giving up on its vision for a modern, internationally competitive sports landscape.

“Our spirit remains strong. We will continue building our stadiums,” she told People Sport in a phone interview. 

Nyong’o previously acknowledged that the county alone might not be able to bear the full financial burden of upgrading sports facilities to meet international standards. 

During recent discussions, he highlighted the importance of collaboration with national government agencies and international development partners to secure the funding and technical expertise required to modernize Kisumu’s stadiums and related infrastructure. 

“This is a shared responsibility, and we must work with both national and international partners to ensure that Kisumu’s facilities are brought up to the level they deserve,” Nyong’o stated.