NAIROBI, Kenya — Kasarani Stadium is undergoing a major transformation as Kenya accelerates preparations to host major international football assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the rehabilitation of the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, will transform the facility into a modern 60,000-seater stadium designed to meet international sporting standards.
Omollo said the stadium, which was built in 1987 during the administration of Kenya’s second President, Daniel arap Moi, had served as one of the country’s most important sporting landmarks but had increasingly struggled to meet modern requirements.
“Built in 1987 under Kenya’s second President, Daniel arap Moi, the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani has for decades stood as one of the country’s most iconic sporting landmarks,” Omollo said.
“But as Kenya grew and its sporting ambitions expanded, the ageing facility could no longer match the nation’s vision for world-class sporting infrastructure.”
Kasarani upgrade targets FIFA, CAF standards
According to Omollo, the latest rehabilitation works are being undertaken under the oversight of the Ministry of Defence and Sports Kenya.
The project is intended to deliver a stadium capable of hosting major international football matches while improving the experience and facilities available to spectators, players, officials and the media.
“The current works, under the strict oversight of the Ministry of Defence and Sports Kenya, are being executed comprehensively to deliver a 60,000-seater facility that meets FIFA and CAF standards ahead of major international assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” he said.
The rehabilitation follows an earlier phase of works undertaken ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Omollo said the earlier intervention was carried out under time pressure to prepare the stadium for the tournament, while the current works form part of a more comprehensive modernisation programme.
New pitch, canopy and floodlights
The ongoing transformation includes major changes to both the playing surface and spectator facilities.
A new hybrid Bermuda-grass pitch is being installed alongside an advanced drainage system designed to improve playing conditions.
The spectator canopy is reportedly 99 per cent complete, while the stadium’s seating has been fully replaced.
The project also includes upgraded VIP and VVIP lounges, modern floodlighting and technology to support international matches.
The new lighting system will provide 2,000-lux floodlighting, while animation screens and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) facilities are also being installed.
Modern changing rooms and ticketing system
The rehabilitation is also targeting areas used by teams, match officials and the media.
Modern changing rooms are being incorporated into the facility, alongside upgraded media facilities intended to meet the requirements of international sporting events.
An automated ticketing system is also being installed as part of efforts to modernise stadium operations and improve access management during major matches.
Two training grounds within the complex have additionally been rehabilitated to provide better preparation facilities for teams.
Kenya prepares for AFCON 2027
The Kasarani upgrade is part of Kenya’s wider preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country is expected to co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The tournament is expected to place significant demands on sporting infrastructure across the three host countries, with stadiums required to meet continental football standards.
For Kenya, the modernisation of Kasarani is therefore expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to host high-profile international fixtures and other major sporting events.
The transformation of the iconic Nairobi facility also comes as the government undertakes upgrades at other stadiums across the country as it seeks to modernise Kenya’s sports infrastructure.
