Nyayo Stadium is set to reopen its gates after eight months of renovations, marking its return to hosting international matches. The stadium was last used on April 21, 2024, during the Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia. Since then, it has undergone significant improvements in preparation for major continental competitions.
Kenya has been working to upgrade its sports infrastructure, particularly after the postponement of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in January. With the country gearing up for CHAN in August and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani Stadium have been undergoing extensive renovations to meet international standards.
The reopening of Nyayo Stadium comes at a crucial time for Kenyan football, reflecting the country’s ambition to reclaim its former glory. The appointment of South African coach Benni McCarthy to lead Harambee Stars further signals a renewed commitment to the sport. Now, after months of preparation, the stadium is set to host its first international match since closing for renovations.
Located at the intersection of Mombasa Road, Langata Road, and Aerodrome Road in Nairobi, Nyayo Stadium is a 30,000-seater multipurpose venue that plays a key role in Kenya’s sporting scene. It will officially reopen on March 16 with a FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier between Kenya’s Junior Starlets and Uganda’s Teen Cranes. The Junior Starlets head into this match with a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. A win will take them to the final qualification round, where they will face either Cameroon or Ethiopia for a spot in the World Cup, which will be hosted in Africa for the first time in Morocco.
The return of Nyayo Stadium is a major boost for local football clubs and fans, who have faced significant challenges due to the unavailability of suitable venues. The closure of both Nyayo and Kasarani forced FKF Premier League clubs to seek alternative venues such as Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos and Dandora Stadium. The lack of accessible stadiums even led to the postponement of the Mashemeji Derby for the second time this season.
With the renovations now complete, it is expected that Nyayo Stadium will resume hosting local league matches, international games, and athletics events, subject to approval by relevant authorities. The reopening is seen as a step toward stabilizing Kenyan football by providing teams with a reliable venue for training and competition.
The improvements made to Nyayo Stadium are part of a broader effort to elevate Kenya’s sports infrastructure to international standards. With CHAN and AFCON on the horizon, the availability of modern, well-maintained stadiums will be crucial in ensuring the success of these tournaments. Football stakeholders and fans alike are hopeful that this marks the beginning of a new era for Kenyan sports, with more opportunities for local players to showcase their talent on the international stage.
As Nyayo Stadium prepares to host its first match in months, excitement is building among fans eager to witness top-tier football action once again. The Junior Starlets’ crucial fixture against Uganda will not only mark the return of the iconic stadium but also serve as a moment of pride for Kenyan football as the team looks to secure a place in the global tournament.
