Sports Kenya reveal why CAF banned Kasarani, Nyayo as renovation tender calls are floated

STADIA Sports Kenya reveal why CAF banned Kasarani, Nyayo as renovation tender calls are floated

Joel Omotto 10:41 - 18.07.2023

The two facilities in Nairobi alongside Eldoret’s Kipchoge Keino are set for a major facelift in readiness for the 2027 tournament if EAC Pamoja Bid is successful.

Kasarani and Nyayo Stadia are set to be closed for renovations after Sports Kenya opened tenders for the improvement of the facilities alongside Eldoret’s Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

According to a tender notice issued by Sports Kenya, the state body mandated to manage the stadiums, interested parties have up to August 17 to submit their tenders for the rehabilitation and upgrading of Kasarani, Nyayo, and Kipchoge Keino to CAF and FIFA standards.

The three facilities have been earmarked to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations if the EAC Pamoja Bid of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania is successful.

Kasarani and Nyayo failed the last inspection test conducted by CAF in 2021 and the issue has forced Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeboyz to look for alternative venues in Tanzania to host their CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup matches next season.

According to a source at Sports Kenya, Kenya’s need to show seriousness for their 2027 AFCON bid is the reason behind the closure of the facilities for renovation.

“CAF inspectors will be coming to Kenya to see our ability for that event and we need to show them that we mean business,” said the source, who did not wish to be named, since he is not authorised to speak on the matter.

“When they did their last inspection in 2021, they flagged certain areas which need to fulfill international standards. For Kasarani, there is a minimum requirement for floodlight, there should be a lux amount of illumination and the lights have to be overhead.

“There must be seats in the entire stadium and the VIP area also need to have immovable seats. There must be a public address system, venue control, media centre, changing rooms need improving, the dugout, drainage, mixed zone and there should be medical facilities that will attend to not only players but spectators and VIPs.”

“The same applies to Nyayo where a lot more needs to be done. We need a canopy in the entire stadium so that fans are not rained on which will mean the floodlights will change as they will need to be overhead. The playing surface at Nyayo was said to be bumpy so it will need improving as well as its drainage.”

Given the stadiums are multi-purpose, the upgrading will also include the laying of a synthetic track at all three facilities. It is not yet known when the work will start and end but Sports Kenya wants to ensure once the stadiums are opened, everything required to host international matches will be in place.

“There are certain procedures to follow in the tendering process but we are going to give teams who have been using the facilities a notice so that they find alternative venues for their Premier League matches next season,” the source added.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba also alluded to the soon-to-start renovation when on an inspection visit to Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County.

“I inspected ongoing Phase II works at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County last evening (Monday). Pleased with progress. Kirigiti is among our stadia undergoing accelerated improvement for use while we close Kasarani and Nyayo for advertised major refurbishment,” Namwamba said via a Twitter post on Tuesday.