Athletics Kenya at crossroads as major stadiums set to be closed for renovations

Major stadiums in the country are set to be closed for renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tourney, leaving Athletics Kenya at a crossroads.

The Moi International Sports Center Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium, and the Kip Keino Stadium in Eldoret will be closed for renovations. Unfortunately, the three are the only stadiums that meet the requirements of a standard stadium by World Athletics.

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AK has a plan of having more athletes qualify for the Olympic Games and African Games but with the sad state of affairs, they have been left in a state of confusion. In addition to that, fingers are crossed ahead of the Kip Keino Classic that is expected to be hosted at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday 20 April.

Speaking to Nation Sport, AK director of competitions Paul Mutwii explained that those athletes competing at the Ulinzi Sports Complex will be doing it for training purposes and not qualifying for the global events.

“We need to qualify more athletes for these championships and that won’t happen if both MISC and Nyayo are closed…one of the venues ought to remain open for use,” Mutwii said.

On his part, Sports Kenya Director General Pius Metto is optimistic that all will be set ahead of the Kip Keino Classic.

He noted that they will be laying a new tartan track at the Nyayo National Stadium and construction should begin this month, January.

“The venue should be ready by the end of March, ready for the Kip Keino Classic. AK are aware since we have been in talks,” he said.

However, the trials for the African Games are scheduled for February 16 and 17 while the trials for the World Athletics Relays are scheduled for March 11 and 13, both to be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium.