Renovation works are currently underway at the Moi Sports Center Kasarani, one of the primary venues selected to host matches for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2025 and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. As Kenya prepares for these high-profile tournaments, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth, Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has announced that test matches will be staged at Kasarani starting June 2025.
Mvurya shared these plans during an inspection tour of the stadium on Monday, where he was briefed on the progress of the renovation works. He noted that the test matches would serve as a platform to energize Kenyan football fans and provide a preview of what is to come as the CHAN tournament approaches in August.
The renovation efforts at Kasarani are part of a broader strategy to upgrade key sports facilities in Kenya, ensuring they meet international standards ahead of these major football events. The stadium is among several venues commissioned to host the CHAN and AFCON matches. With the countdown to the tournaments underway, the test matches scheduled for June will provide an opportunity for both local teams and international sides to showcase their talent on the newly upgraded pitch.
Mvurya emphasized that these test matches would not only keep fans engaged but also provide a chance to fine-tune the facility in anticipation of the larger tournaments. The test games will also create a more vibrant football atmosphere, helping to reinforce the message that football is back in Kenya. Mvurya pointed out that, starting in June, international and local matches would be shifted to Kasarani, allowing fans to enjoy high-quality football and celebrate the sport’s return to the country.
The government, in collaboration with other stakeholders, has been working tirelessly to ensure that the necessary infrastructure upgrades are completed in time for the tournaments. Mvurya, who was accompanied during the stadium inspection by Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Soipan Tuya, expressed satisfaction with the renovation progress. The Cabinet Secretary was confident that the works at Kasarani would be completed on schedule, and the stadium would be ready to host matches starting in June.
In addition to the renovations at Kasarani, Mvurya also addressed concerns about the progress of the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. Speculation had been circulating that the contractor overseeing the renovation of the stadium had withdrawn from the project. Mvurya, however, dismissed these claims, assuring the public that the contractor had received the necessary payments and the work at Kipchoge Keino was continuing without interruption. He confirmed that funds had been transferred to the contractor’s account and that the project was on track for completion.
The remarks were timely, as there have been growing concerns about the state of some of the country’s sports facilities. Tuya took the opportunity to remind fans of their responsibility in maintaining these venues once the renovations are completed. She stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the facilities and avoiding any damage that could lead to costly repairs. The CS highlighted that the current poor state of some facilities was partly due to neglect and misuse by fans, urging them to act responsibly and take care of the venues that have been upgraded.
As Kenya eagerly awaits the CHAN and AFCON tournaments, the government’s ongoing efforts to improve sports infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring the success of these prestigious events. With the countdown to June, the test matches at Kasarani will mark an exciting chapter for Kenyan football, bringing the country closer to hosting major international football events on its own soil.
