Kenyan government approves construction of new 60000-seater stadium

4th October 2023

The move is aimed at preparing the country for the eagerly awaited 2027 African Cup of Nations.

Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO| Timothy Olobulu
Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO| Timothy Olobulu
SUMMARY
  • The approval was given after a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.
  • The move is aimed at preparing the country for the eagerly awaited 2027 African Cup of Nations.
  • The continental tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

By Tony Kipkorir

The Kenyan government has approved the construction of a brand new 60000-seater stadium during a cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 3 October 2023 in Nairobi. 

The move is aimed at preparing the country for the eagerly awaited 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

“The Cabinet endorsed the construction of a new 60,000-capacity stadium in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027,” a communiqué from State House stated.

Although it was not specifically indicated where the stadium would be built, the facility is expected to be the proposed Talanta Sports City.

In addition, the William Ruto-led administration rubber-stamped the renovations of Nyayo National Stadium, Moi International Sports Center Kasarani and Eldoret’s Kipchoge Keino Stadium, the three venues presented as hosting grounds during the bidding process.

However, in the case of Kipchoge Keino Stadium, there has been a lot of debate among Kenyans as to whether Eldoret isan ideal venue.

Kisumu County Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and his Kakamega counterpart Fernandes Baraza recently issued a joint press statement asking the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Arts and Sports to reconsider its decision. 

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“The UDA government has announced that the AFCON 2027 football matches shall be held in Nairobi and Eldoret.

“This in our view is a tragic decision. Western Kenya should have been included with either matches being held in Kisumu or Kakamega.

“The Western region of Kenya is where football fans exist in plenitude. Not in Uasin Gishu or Eldoret for that matter” the statement read in part.

Nyong’o and Baraza also argued that should the national government go ahead with the plans of hosting the games in Eldoret, the stadia will be empty since the locals prefer athletics to football. 

In a rebuttal, Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim dismissed the claims, stating that Eldoret is fit and will be ready to host AFCON.