Kasarani closes for renovation ahead of U20 championships
Sections of Kasarani stadium will be closed from Monday to give way for renovations as the country prepares to host three international sporting events between May and July.
Contractors are set to begin works at the main stadium and related spaces as well as at the warm-up and training fields. The indoor arena, Stadion Hotel and the Aquatic Centre will remain open for public use.
The facility is being prepared for the World Athletics Continental Tour set for May 2, the World Under-20 Athletics Championship (July 7 -13) as well as the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally (July 16-19).
Sports Kenya has a budget of Sh332 million for refurbishing the stadium as all sporting action that was scheduled at the facility within the stipulated time will be moved to Nyayo Stadium which is nearing completion.
“The warm-up area need some levelling, some works will also be done at the harmer area next to the warm up track.
The current stadium police station will be converted to changing rooms for athletes while at the warm-up area,” said Sports Kenya Director General Pius Meto.
He added: “Inside the stadium, plumbing works, refurbishment of the media centre and tribune are some of the other works that will be done.
We have also engaged a company that will work on restoring the original colour of the discoloured seats around the stadium. We have also involved MODO in the tartan track renovations.”
Sports Kenya chairperson Fred Muteti says Nyayo Stadium will be opened within a week or two as renovations are 95 per cent done.
He has also indicated that more action will be directed to Meru’s Kinoru Stadium where possible.
“Works at Nyayo are complete but for a few final touches outside the stadium.
In addition to the pitch, we have also expanded the swimming pool area by constructing a children’s pool, a training pool and renovated the competitions pool.
The Indoor arena’s roofing and washrooms have also been given a facelift,” said Muteti.
Meanwhile, delegates from Britain’s athletics’ team to the Under 20 event yesterday made a tour of the stadium as well as the athletics village at Kenyatta University and expressed satisfaction with the level of preparedness while promising to field a team at the championship.
World Under-20 women’s record holder in 200m Amy Hunt, European Junior Championships bronze medallist in women’s 800m, Keely Hodgkinson and 100m sensation Jeremiah Azu are some of the athletes the team is looking to field according to team leader Trevor Painter, who was accompanied by team manger Lorna Dwyer.
