Kisumu's Moi Stadium to Get FIFA-Standard Pitch, 8-Lane Track in Major Upgrade

The reconstruction of Moi Stadium in Kisumu City is underway ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027.

In a statement on Monday, October 12, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the reconstruction will prepare the stadium to host participating teams during the continental football tournament, providing facilities for training, preparations and warm-up matches.

"Rebuilt to FIFA and CAF standards, the stadium will provide an international-standard venue for participating teams to train, prepare for group matches and play localised warm-up fixtures," he wrote.

Omollo said the reconstruction will replace the old 5,000-seater structure with a modern sports complex designed to accommodate 10,000 spectators, increasing the stadium's capacity as part of the broader preparations for AFCON PAMOJA 2027.

"The project, undertaken by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), involves replacing the old 5,000-seater structure with a modern 10,000-capacity sports complex," he added.

The upgrade will feature roofed pavilions on all four sides of the stadium, a football pitch compliant with FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, and an eight-lane tartan athletics track designed to meet World Athletics requirements.

Other planned facilities include modern changing rooms, floodlights, VIP and media facilities, security fencing and paved parking areas. The additions are expected to support sporting activities while improving facilities for spectators, athletes, officials and visiting teams.

Beyond the tournament, Omollo said the stadium will serve as a long-term sports facility for Kisumu and the wider region, supporting football clubs and national athletics competitions.

"After AFCON PAMOJA 2027, the stadium will transition into a permanent regional sports hub, serving as a home ground for Football Kenya Federation (FKF) clubs, including Kisumu All Stars FC, while providing a premier venue for national track-and-field competitions and nurturing emerging sporting talent," he further said.

Elsewhere, Kamariny Stadium in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, is undergoing a major transformation after nearly a decade of abandonment.

In an update on Saturday, October 10, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the facility had suffered years of neglect before work began to revive it under the current administration.

"After nearly a decade of abandonment, Kamariny Stadium had become synonymous with neglect and stalled public projects. That chapter is now being rewritten," he wrote.

Omollo said construction works were progressing alongside improvements to the roads serving the stadium, with Sports Kenya overseeing the project to modernise the facility.

"Under the current administration, construction and access-road works are progressing at the historic facility in Iten, with Sports Kenya overseeing the transformation into a modern athletics and sporting hub," he added.

The upgraded stadium will accommodate between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators and feature an eight-lane tartan athletics track, a standard football pitch, changing rooms and a VIP pavilion.

The project is also expected to expand the facility's capacity to support professional athletes, with specialised accommodation planned under a subsequent phase.

"A subsequent phase will provide specialised accommodation for athletes, further strengthening Iten's position as a global centre for high-altitude training," Omollo further said.

Omollo said the investment would also create opportunities for businesses in Iten as more international athletes, coaches and spectators visit the town.

"The new track will allow athletes to undertake quality speed work and competition preparation closer to home, while the growing presence of international athletes, coaches and spectators will create new opportunities for hotels, training camps and local enterprises," he noted.

Beyond the stadium, supporting infrastructure works are also being undertaken to improve movement and security in the town.

The improvements include three link roads and street lighting intended to make access to the sporting facility and surrounding areas easier and safer.

"The surrounding investment is extending beyond the stadium, with three link roads and street lighting improving access, mobility and security across Iten," he concluded.