With major upgrades currently underway at Kasarani Stadium, Kenya has only one viable option for hosting the next round of the World Cup qualifiers match against Burundi and African champions Ivory Coast scheduled for 3rd and 10 June 2024.

However, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports announced on Tuesday that Nyayo Stadium, the only FIFA-approved facility to host the qualifiers, will be closed down on the 22nd of April for an undisclosed period for renovation ahead of the 2024 African Championship CHAN slated for September.

This implies that if the construction work is not completed before June, Kenya will need to find alternative venues to host the World Cup Qualifiers fixtures.

Kenya, along with two other East African countries, has been selected to host two consecutive continental tournaments: the 2024 CHAN and the 2027 African Cup Of Nations (AFCON).

Initially, Nyayo Stadium was scheduled to close after Saturday’s Kip Keino Classic, the same day the Mashemeji Derby was planned. However, due to safety concerns, the derby was rescheduled to Sunday and relocated to Nyayo Stadium.

With the current rainy season, the country is facing challenges with match venues, with coaches already expressing concerns about the overuse of Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

If Nyayo Stadium is not ready by mid-May, Kenya may need to seek assistance from neighbouring countries Uganda or Tanzania to host the qualifiers.

In light of this, the Sports Ministry, while announcing the closure of Nyayo Stadium, also outlined plans to ensure the smooth continuation of the World Cup qualifiers.

“The Government of Kenya, through our Ministry and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), is in consultation with CAF and FIFA regarding the venue for Harambee Stars’ next World Cup qualifier games (match days 3 and 4) scheduled for 3rd and 11th June,” a statement from the Ministry of Sports reads.