Govt Announces Date Of Closure Of Nyayo Stadium
The stadium additionally has been selected as the official host venue for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place in Kenya and Uganda this coming September 2024.
Marvin Chege 
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports has announced that Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi will be closed for renovations from April 22, 2024, after it plays host to two major sporting events.
The stadium additionally has been selected as the official host venue for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to take place in Kenya and Uganda this coming September 2024.
The decision was made in consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the ministry provided an update on the ongoing upgrades of venues in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nyayo Stadium will therefore undergo renovations immediately after the 2024 Kip Keino Classic set to be held on Saturday, April 20 as well as the Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards set for Sunday, April 21.
President William Ruto (right) shakes hands with Azimio Leader Raila Odinga (left) at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday, May 14, 2023. /PCS
The stadium has also been set aside as an alternative venue for the 2027 AFCON.
"Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, has been honoured with the responsibility of co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), tentatively scheduled for September 2024. Nyayo National Stadium has been designated as Kenya's official CHAN host venue after consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
"The contractor identified to upgrade Nyayo National Stadium for CHAN'24 and as a supporting facility for AFCON'27 will commence accelerated works immediately after the conclusion of the Kipchoge Keino Classic, from 22nd April 2024," read a statement from the Sports Ministry in part.
The Ministry, led by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba, added that the government and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), are in consultation with CAF and FIFA regarding the venue for Harambee Stars' next World Cup qualifier games (match days 3 and 4) scheduled for June 3 and 11, 2024 against Burundi and Cote d'Ivoire.
This is given that both the Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums will be closed for upgrades, with Kasarani currently undergoing renovation works.
The Ministry assured stakeholders that progress towards the 2027 joint AFCON between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania is in top gear, with construction of the Talanta Sports City stadium progressing as planned.
Both Talanta Sports City and Kasarani are Kenya's primary host venues for the continent's biggest tournament.
It is worth noting that Kasarani and Nyayo failed the last inspection test conducted by CAF in 2021 with Sports Kenya highlighting what needed improving on the facilities.
The organizing committee will determine the allocation of games among the three countries for AFCON 2027 based on their respective infrastructure and accommodation capabilities.
