Kasarani Stadium Transformed Into World-Class 60,000-Seater Ahead of AFCON [Photos]

Kasarani Stadium is undergoing a major transformation as Kenya steps up preparations to host major international football assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

In a statement on Sunday, August 23, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the rehabilitation is set to turn the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, into a modern 60,000-seater facility designed to meet international sporting standards.

"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.  

"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," he wrote.

The first phase of rehabilitation was undertaken in haste to prepare the facility for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with further works now being carried out as part of a comprehensive upgrade.

"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 added.

According to Omollo, the latest phase includes extensive improvements to the playing surface and spectator areas, alongside the installation of modern technology and upgraded facilities for players and officials.

"The transformation includes a new hybrid Bermuda-grass pitch and advanced drainage system, a 99%-complete spectator canopy, fully replaced seating, upgraded VIP and VVIP lounges, 2,000-lux floodlighting, animation screens and VAR facilities," he further said.

Modern changing rooms, an automated ticketing system and upgraded media facilities are also being incorporated into the stadium. 

Two training grounds have further been rehabilitated to provide improved facilities for teams preparing for matches.

Elsewhere, construction of the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium at the Talanta Sports Complex in Nairobi has reached more than 92 per cent completion.

In a statement on Wednesday, August 19, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the stadium, which was envisioned four years ago, has emerged as a major investment in Kenya’s sporting infrastructure.

"Four years ago, it was an ambition. Today, the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium at the Talanta Sports Complex towers over Nairobi’s skyline as a testament to President William Ruto’s bold investment in the sports sector," he wrote.

Mvurya said the project is now nearing completion and is expected to serve as one of the defining sporting infrastructure developments under President William Ruto's first term.

"Now over 92% complete, this magnificent sporting theatre stands as the flagship of Kenya’s transformation of its sporting ecosystem and a defining legacy of President Ruto’s first four years in office," he added.

Mvurya said Talanta Stadium is being developed as Kenya’s first purpose-built football stadium and is designed to meet the highest Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. 

He added that the facility will feature luxury hospitality spaces, modern spectator amenities and infrastructure to support international media coverage.

"As Kenya’s first purpose-built football stadium, Talanta is designed to meet CAF Category 4 standards, complemented by 52 luxury skyboxes, modern spectator facilities and a comprehensive media infrastructure featuring dedicated press conference facilities, media working areas and a media tribune designed for world-class coverage of major sporting events," he further said.

Mvurya also highlighted the playing surface being installed at the main stadium, saying it will combine natural Bermuda grass with synthetic fibres to provide durability and consistency.

The Talanta Sports Complex will also include three additional pitches designed to support different sporting activities, including athletics, rugby and football.

"At the heart of the main stadium will be a hybrid playing surface, combining Monaco variety Bermuda grass with stitched synthetic fibres to deliver greater durability, consistency and a high-quality, television-friendly playing surface.

"Beyond the main stadium, the Talanta Sports Complex incorporates three additional pitches. Two are complemented by athletics running tracks, while another is designed to accommodate both rugby and football, creating a wider sporting complex capable of supporting training, competition and athlete development," the CS explained.

Mvurya said the complex has also been designed to become a major landmark in Nairobi, with lighting, a musical fountain and digital advertising infrastructure incorporated into its architecture.

"The stadium’s architecture is equally spectacular. A musical dancing fountain, dynamic LED façade lighting and integrated digital advertising infrastructure will transform the complex, particularly at night, into an unmistakable sporting and entertainment landmark on Nairobi’s skyline," he noted.