The timeline for the completion of the roofing canopy installation at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, has been confirmed as Kenya prepares to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). As part of the country’s preparations for this prestigious event, the stadium is undergoing significant renovations to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
The tournament was initially scheduled for February 2025 but was postponed to August 2024, providing host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania more time to finalize preparations. This shift in the schedule has had a direct impact on the pace of construction at Kasarani Stadium, particularly regarding the roofing project.
Earlier plans focused on completing the canopy in the VIP section of the stadium before CHAN, with the remainder of the stadium expected to receive the canopy post-tournament. However, the revised timeline has allowed authorities to expand the scope of the project. Now, the entire stadium’s canopy is set to be completed before the tournament begins on August 2, 2024.
This change has been made possible by the delay in the tournament’s start, which has provided more time for contractors to work. The roofing materials for the canopy are currently being shipped, with the installation process set to begin shortly. The framework for the canopy has already been put in place, signaling that the project is progressing smoothly.
In addition to the roofing work, the installation of floodlights at Kasarani Stadium is also nearing completion. The lights are now fully operational, ensuring that the stadium will meet FIFA’s stringent requirements for the tournament. On February 3, 2025, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum conducted an inspection tour of the stadium to assess the floodlight installation. The inspection was carried out at night, giving officials the opportunity to evaluate the functionality of the floodlights in a real-world setting.
During the inspection, the officials assured the public that progress on the stadium renovations was continuing, despite the postponement of CHAN 2024. Tum, accompanied by other senior officials including the chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Nicholas Musonye, emphasized that the contractor was sticking to the project timeline. KDF personnel and local officers have been working closely to monitor progress and ensure that both Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums are ready in time for the rescheduled tournament.
The newly installed floodlights are designed to comply with FIFA’s rigorous standards, providing optimal visibility for players and enhancing TV broadcast quality. The key specifications of the floodlight installation include a minimum horizontal illuminance of 1200 lux across the pitch, even light distribution to minimize shadows, and an anti-glare design to ensure that players and match officials are not obstructed. Additionally, the floodlights are equipped with an independent backup power system, ensuring that matches are not disrupted in the event of a power outage. The installation has undergone FIFA-accredited testing to verify its quality.
Photos from the inspection reveal that the floodlights are positioned to avoid obstructing the roofing framework. This ensures that the floodlights can function efficiently without interfering with the upcoming canopy installation. The combination of these improvements at Kasarani Stadium marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s readiness to co-host CHAN 2024 alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
With less than six months remaining until the tournament kicks off, authorities are confident that all necessary upgrades, including the full canopy installation and floodlights, will be completed on time. These enhancements are a critical part of Kenya’s preparations for hosting the tournament and will contribute to the overall success of the event. The full completion of the stadium’s upgrades will help position the facility as a world-class venue capable of hosting major international football events.
