Harambee Stars may finally get to host international matches on home soil following positive developments over the renovations of Kasarani Stadium.
Harambee Stars could soon return to playing international matches on home soil, possibly as early as March, after Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum suggested that test matches might be held at Kasarani Stadium that month.
The stadium, which was closed for renovations in December 2023, is currently undergoing the second phase of its revamp. The ultimate goal is to ensure it meets the required standards for hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August and later serve as a key venue for AFCON 2027.
Harambee Stars have not played a home match in Kenya since September 2023, when they suffered a 1-0 defeat to South Sudan at Kasarani.
Kenya’s venue for their 2026 WAFCON home first leg qualifier against Tunisia has now been confirmed amid fears the team would host the game outside the country.
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Since then, the national team has been forced to host home fixtures in Malawi and Uganda, including their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Ivory Coast.
However, ahead of their crucial fifth World Cup qualifier against Gabon in March, there is a real possibility that Kenya could finally host the fixture at Kasarani. Tum revealed that Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is planning to stage test matches at both Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium to assess their readiness.
“There are teams that have been earmarked to now test the stadium, I think in March,” Tum stated during the launch of the 2025 Absa Magical Kenya Tour on Monday.
“As you are all aware, FKF with the new administration is now raring to go, energetic, and planning to organize tournaments in that stadium.”
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The expected time for the completing the instalation of roofing cannopy at Kasarani Stadium has now been revealed.
He also provided an update on Nyayo Stadium, confirming that the final touches, including floodlight installations, were nearing completion.
“Nyayo is also nearing completion. We are just finishing on the lights and will be hosting a tournament I think on the 20th, thanks to the newly-formed FKF.”
Last week, Tum, FKF president Hussein Mohammed, and CAF officials toured Kasarani Stadium to inspect the ongoing renovations. The government expressed satisfaction with the progress, reaffirming that the stadium will be ready by April 2025.
“This year, it will be complete because we had put it in two phases. Phase one was for purposes of CHAN, but when it was postponed, we decided to bring in phase two so that we finish it once and for all for both CHAN and AFCON 2027.”
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Kenya is preparing a number of stadiums to be used for the CHAN 2024 and 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and it will be a costly affair for the country.
The stadium has already seen notable upgrades.
A metal canopy has been erected, covering the VIP section. CAF initially required only 25% completion, but Kenya has exceeded this by completing the VIP section first.
New CAF-recommended floodlights have been installed, with some already mounted before the full canopy is completed.
Unlike in the past, all stadium seats will now have backrests, improving spectator comfort. VIP areas will feature mobile seats.
