Kasarani Stadium is progressing into phase II of its renovation as preparations ramp up for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Ministry of Sports recently conducted an inspection, with officials emphasizing that the stadium, alongside Nyayo National Stadium, will host the postponed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August 2025, and play a key role in AFCON 2027.
The inspection, led by the local organizing committee, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, and representatives from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), confirmed that renovations are on schedule. Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum assured the nation that efforts were being made to ensure the successful hosting of both tournaments.
The first phase of renovations, aimed at preparing Kasarani for CHAN 2024, has already been completed, while the second phase focuses on improvements needed for AFCON 2027. These renovations are expected to enhance the stadium’s infrastructure to meet CAF standards.
Key upgrades include the playing surface, which has been restored, with grass now covering the field except for the running track. The second phase will see the track laid out. Additionally, the canopy structure has been partially completed, with the metal frame already in place, and the VIP area fully covered. CAF required only 25% of the canopy to be done, a target that has been achieved on the VIP side.
New floodlights, recommended by CAF, are also being installed, with some already mounted on the stadium’s roofing structure. Seat installation is progressing, with a few sections still to be completed, including the VIP area, which will feature mobile seats. In a bid to improve comfort for spectators, all seats will now have backrests.
The completion of the first two phases is scheduled for April 2025. Tum emphasized that the government was accelerating efforts to ensure the stadium is ready to host both the CHAN and AFCON tournaments.
Kasarani will be joined by Nyayo National Stadium for CHAN 2024. For AFCON 2027, additional stadiums, including the under-construction Talanta City Stadium and the renovated Kipchoge Keino Stadium, will be part of Kenya’s bid to meet CAF’s hosting criteria.
Once the second phase of renovations is completed, CAF officials will carry out a final inspection before granting full approval for Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027.
