Kenya is investing heavily in its sports infrastructure in preparation for hosting two major continental football tournaments: the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The country is undertaking extensive construction and renovation of several key stadiums to ensure they meet the high standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). These upgrades are crucial to Kenya’s successful hosting of the tournaments, which have been seen as an opportunity to boost both the nation’s sports profile and its economy.
The total cost of the renovations and new constructions is estimated to be nearly Ksh 50 billion, with the lion’s share allocated to the creation of the new Talanta City Stadium. This world-class football-only stadium is set to hold 60,000 spectators and will be one of the flagship venues for the 2027 AFCON. The project is currently underway, with the China Road and Bridge Construction Company responsible for the construction. The projected completion date for Talanta Stadium is December 2025, and it will be the centerpiece of Kenya’s sports infrastructure for the tournaments.
In the meantime, Kenya is focusing on renovating several other key venues in time for the 2024 CHAN tournament. This includes significant upgrades to Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, which are scheduled to host matches during the competition. Both venues are vital for the country’s hosting plans, and the government is investing substantial sums to ensure they meet the requirements. Kasarani Stadium, located in Nairobi, is set to receive Ksh 2.4 billion for its renovation. Nyayo Stadium, also in Nairobi, will be allocated Ksh 1.2 billion for its upgrade. These improvements are critical to ensure the stadiums can accommodate the expected crowds and meet CAF’s rigorous standards.
Other stadiums across the country are also being prepared, including Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, which has faced delays in its construction. The upgrade of Kipchoge Keino will cost Ksh 2.2 billion. Additionally, several training grounds in Nairobi are being upgraded to provide adequate facilities for the teams participating in both CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027. Among the training venues being improved are the Kenya Police Sacco grounds, Kasarani Annex, and Ulinzi Sports Complex, with a total of Ksh 1 billion set aside for their enhancement.
Despite the significant financial commitments required for these renovations and constructions, the Kenyan government is optimistic that these investments will pay off in the long term. The development of new sports infrastructure is expected to generate employment, improve local economies, and raise the profile of Kenyan football on the international stage. Moreover, the newly renovated and constructed stadiums will continue to serve as important venues for both local and international competitions long after the tournaments conclude.
The budget for Talanta Sports City Stadium, the most ambitious of the ongoing projects, is Ksh 40 billion, making it the most expensive part of the sports infrastructure plan. While most of the refurbishment work for existing venues is being funded by the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (also known as the Sports Fund), the source of funding for the Talanta Sports City Stadium remains unclear. However, it is expected that the government will find the necessary resources to complete the project.
Despite the high initial costs, officials indicate that the total expenditure may exceed Ksh 50 billion, as additional funds are being allocated to meet the evolving demands and standards set by CAF. This includes improvements to meet safety, comfort, and technological standards, ensuring that the venues are ready for the world-class teams that will compete in both tournaments. As such, the costs are expected to rise beyond the initial budget estimates.
The Kenyan government has been urged to take advantage of the postponement of CHAN 2024, which was initially scheduled for February but is now slated for August, to complete the renovations of Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums. The delay provides a window of opportunity to ensure the upgrades are completed to the highest standard.
The successful hosting of these tournaments will not only showcase Kenya’s ability to manage large-scale international sporting events but also highlight the country’s growing investment in sports infrastructure. These projects are seen as vital to the future of Kenyan football, providing a solid foundation for the development of the sport in the country and the region. The improved facilities will not only benefit the national teams but also the general public, as they will have access to world-class sports venues for years to come.
