Why Gov't Is Locking Kenyans Out of Kasarani Stadium

The Moi Kasarani Sports Centre in Kasarani will be out of bounds for the members of the public for close to a year

Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba announced the facility would be undergoing a major refurbishment in preparations to host the 2027 African Cap of Nationas soccer tournament.

The CS revealed a Chinese contractor had already deployed his equipment to embark on the rehabilitation works.

According to Namwamba, the resolve to renovate the stadium was as per the counsel of the Confederation pf African Football (CAF's) officials.

"This stadium is almost 40 years old, it has been around for a whole and has not undergone major rehabilitation. When the CAF inspection team visited, we agreed on a number of interventions and improvements that would upgrade to a level that can meet the required international standards," said Namwamba.

The CS said the renovations' budget had been approved assuring Kenyans they would see the value of the monies injected into the project.

The works will be overseen by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Sports docket.

"All activity of any nature would not be allowed here. So Kasaranai Stadium is now out of bounds," Ababu added.

Kenya in September won the bid to jointly host the 2027 Afcon competition alongside Tanzania and Uganda.

The three East African countries submitted a joint Pamoja bid to host the biggest Football tournament in Africa and beat Senegal, Egypt, and Botswana which had also bided to host the tournament.

The win was announced by the Confederation of African Football President Patrice Motsepe after the CAF Executive Committee’s meeting in Cairo Egypt.

“The 2027 edition is going to be beautiful. The commitment and drive by the three presidents of the countries shows how eager the region is to host this event,” he stated.

During the bidding, Kenya fronted the plans to revamp Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium to meet the required international standards.

CS Ababu had in May this year revealed that the Kenyan government would spend four billion shillings after winning the bid to host the 2027 Afcon.

He noted that to host the event the Confederation of African Football (CAF) asks for a total of twelve billion shillings ($90 million) from the hosts.

“We have already divided the total amount and agreed with Tanzania and Uganda sports ministers that everyone contributes four billion shillings ($30 million). The money will be paid if our bid is successful,” Namwamba stated.

At the same time, President William Ruto announced that Kenya had made a joint bid with Uganda and Tanzania to host the 2027 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Head of State noted that the submission is part of the Government’s plan to harness skills and talents.

“We are focussed on harnessing the full potential of each sector for our prosperity," Ruto stated.