Kirigiti Stadium upgrade boosts Kenya’s AFCON 2027 preparations

BY NEWSFLASH REPORTER

Works to upgrade Kirigiti International Stadium in Kiambu County to meet required international standards are set to commence, giving fresh impetus to Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The government says it is also making progress at the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi, which, together with Kasarani Stadium, has been earmarked to host matches during the continental showpiece that Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports Elijah Mwangi said Kenya’s preparations are on course following a recent inspection by a CAF delegation, which assessed stadiums and other infrastructure linked to the Pamoja AFCON 2027 project.

Mwangi noted that the CAF team gave Kenya an 80 per cent rating on infrastructure readiness, with Raila Odinga International Stadium estimated to be 95 per cent complete according to its original design.

Good progress

“We are progressing very well as Pamoja countries as we gear up towards hosting AFCON 2027. Last week we received a delegation from CAF to inspect our stadiums and we are grateful because when they came in February, they gave us a target of 80 per cent completion by August 2026,” explained Mwangi.

He added that the latest inspection identified additional areas that need to be addressed, despite the facility being substantially complete under the initial design.

The PS said works are underway on some of the areas highlighted by CAF, including the expansion of the press conference room and media tribune.

At Kasarani Stadium, Mwangi noted that the contractor is already on site and working on areas recommended by CAF, with the government confident that the works will be completed by December.

He added that work has yet to begin at Nyayo Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex because the government wants to keep the facilities available for local football before Kasarani and Raila Odinga International Stadium are fully operational for AFCON preparations.

Kirigiti set for facelift

On Kirigiti Stadium, Mwangi said modification works would begin after the government issued a fresh mandate to the contractor following an agreement to withdraw a court case relating to previous works at the facility.

Kenya has listed Raila Odinga International Stadium and Kasarani as its main competition venues for AFCON 2027, with Eldoret’s Kipchoge Keino Stadium designated as an alternative.

The country’s proposed training venues include Kasarani Annex One and Two, Kenya Academy of Sports, Utalii Sports Club, Kirigiti Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nyayo Stadium, Talanta Sports Complex and the University of Eldoret.