Nyayo Stadium picked as CHAN’s official venue, set for upgrade

Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 14:56 | By

AFC Leopards fans at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO/(@AFCLeopards)/AFC Leopards/X — AFC Leopards fans at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO/AFC Leopards/X

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports has announced that Nyayo National Stadium has been chosen as the official host venue for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Kenya.

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 renovation

Nyayo National Stadium will undergo renovations immediately after the Kipkeino Classic matches on April 22, 2024, to ensure it is ready for CHAN, which is set to take place in September 2024.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba inspects the works at Nyayo Stadium yesterday. He urged the contractors to work round the clock to ensure the facility is ready before August 18. PHOTO/ David Ndolo — Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba inspects the works at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO/ David Ndolo

Nyayo will also serve as an alternative venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"Nyayo National Stadium has been designated as Kenya's official CHAN host venue after consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF)," the statement revealed.

"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," the Ministry confirmed.

While Nyayo National Stadium will be closed for upgrades and Kasarani Stadium is currently under renovation, discussions are ongoing between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the Ministry, FIFA, and CAF to determine the venue for the Harambee Stars' next two international matches.

"The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), is in consultation with CAF and FIFA regarding the venue for Harambee Stars next World Cup qualifier games (match days 3 and 4) scheduled for 3rd and 11th lune, 2024 against Burundi and Ivory Coast," the Ministry stated.

The ministry also confirmed that the construction of Talanta Sports City and the renovation of Kasarani Stadium are progressing as planned.

These two venues are set to be Kenya's primary host venues for the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will co-host with neighboring countries Uganda and Tanzania.

Nyayo Stadium alternatives

"The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is in top gear, with construction of the Talanta Sports City progressing as planned. Additionally, the upgrading of Kasarani Stadium is well on schedule," the statement revealed.

Harambee Stars players in a training session at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO/Harambee Stars/Twitter — Harambee Stars players in a training session at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO/Harambee Stars(@Harambee__Stars)/x

"These two are Kenya's primary host venues for AFCON'27, which we are delighted to be co-hosting with our good neighbors, Uganda and Tanzania. Furthermore, Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, has been honored with the responsibility of cohosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), tentatively scheduled for September 2024," the statement concluded.