What Kasarani, Nyayo Need To Host AFCON

Kenya recently submitted a joint bid alongside Tanzania and Uganda to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Considering the East African nations are competing against, Algeria and Egypt for the spot, a lot needs to be done infrstracture-wise since Kenya and Uganda lack a CAF-accredited stadium with the latter having hosted their AFCON qualifying matches in Morocco.

Tanzania is on the front foot as they have one stadium that meets CAF standards in Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Uganda on the other hand is finalizing the construction of the Namboole National Stadium and will construct another stadium from scratch.  

According to FKF President, Nick Mwendwa, Kenya has earmarked two stadiums and one backup stadium.

Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadiums have been given priority while Kipkeino Stadium will serve as the backup in case one of the first two falls short of requirements.

Speaking about the suitability of the Kipkeino Stadium, the FKF President cited its proximity to an airport and a Five Star hotel.

‘The federation chose the Kipkeino Stadium because there is an airport and five-star hotel in Eldoret. CAF requires that a stadium should be located near an airport to make travelling of teams convenient.’

The FKF President admitted that the country has a major task at hand of ensuring that the stadiums are ready to host the extravaganza. This emanates from the fact that the available stadiums are substandard and failed to meet the required threshold in the latest CAF inspection.

“We need proper international level lighting at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium if we are to host the AFCON so that the grounds can host matches at night.

"The existing lighting is not good enough, in fact at Nyayo, there’s no lighting at all. So the first order of business should be lighting and backup in case of a blackout.” Said Mwendwa.

“The second item needed is a roof at Nyayo Stadium so that in case it rains, fans have shelter. Another thing needed is a ticketing system and infrastructure for both stadiums. There should be ticketing software to enable the printing of tickets, and marking seats.

"The tickets should also have barcodes to make entrance easier as it will enable fans to swipe them at the entrance which will open doors for them to make entrance into their sitting areas,” he added.

“Then we will also need to work on the surface for both grounds. If you look at the surface at Nyayo Stadium, it is bumpy therefore the existing grass should be removed and a new surface installed. This process needs about 6-7 months and we will need to close Nyayo and Kasarani Stadium for this period.”

“There are other facilities such as the technical bench, sitting arrangement, VIP Section, media tribune, the number of restrooms in the changing room, and medical areas that need some work too.” The FKF President concluded pertaining to the work needed to ensure the stadiums are up to standards.

Mwendwa also expressed confidence in the government of the day and cited that it was committed to ensuring the process was a success.

‘The minister for sports has assured me that work will commence immediately. As a federation, we cannot build stadiums but the president gave the minister mandate in my presence who in turn sanctioned the process with immediate effect.

Football fans will hope that everything falls into place so that the CECAFA region hosts its maiden AFCON tournament since its inception.

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