Why Nyayo Stadium will be closed down after Kip Keino Classic

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports has announced that Nyayo Stadium has been earmarked as one of the stadiums to host the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) after consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In a statement, the ministry noted that following the 5th edition of the Kip Keino Classic slated for April 20 at Nyayo, the stadium will be closed for construction works to prepare it for the continental showpiece. Kenya, alongside its East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, was selected to co-host the tournament scheduled for September this year.

“The contractor appointed to upgrade the Nyayo National Stadium for CHAN 24 and as a support facility for AFCON 27 will commence accelerated works immediately after the conclusion of the Kip Keino Classic on April 22, 2024,” the ministry’s statement read in part.

The three East African nations have also been chosen to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, prompting the government to tentatively begin renovations to the Moi International Sports Complex stadium and the construction of a new Talanta Stadium.

Kasarani Stadium is under renovation in preparation for the 2027 African Cup of Nations AFCON [photo: Sports CS Ababu Namwamba/X]

With renovations already underway, Kenya may need to find alternative venues to host the African Champions Ivory Coast and Burundi for the World Cup Qualifiers set for June this year.

The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry and the Football Kenya Federation, is in consultation with CAF and FIFA regarding the venue for Harambee Stars’ next World Cup Qualifiers games (matchday 3 and 4) scheduled for June 3rd and 11th, 2014 against Ivory Coast and Burundi.

CAF recently inspected several venues in Kenya, including Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu, Nyayo National Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani Annex in Nairobi, for consideration for CHAN.

The National Assembly has set a deadline of June 30 for the government to submit the budget for the development of all venues allocated for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

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