While work has been going on in the main stadium, tremendous progress has also been noted at the Annex, one of the pitches located right outside the stadium that will be used as training venues during the tournament.
As Kenya prepares to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 in August, significant progress has been made to ensure that both Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia will be ready in time for the tournament, which was initially scheduled for February.
Beyond the main stadia, work is also ongoing to prepare training venues for participating teams.
Among the designated training grounds are Kenya Police’s Police Sacco Stadium in South C, Kiambu’s Kirigiti Stadium, and Ulinzi Stars’ Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata.
Additionally, Kasarani Stadium offers two auxiliary pitches for training, including Kasarani Annex—an often-used venue for FKF Premier League and National Super League matches, as well as track and field training.
Harambee Stars may finally get to host international matches on home soil following positive developments over the renovations of Kasarani Stadium.
In December, CAF approved Police Sacco Stadium and Ulinzi Complex as suitable training venues. Now, a recently released video by Jacks Connect showcases the ongoing progress at Kasarani Annex, highlighting key developments in infrastructure.
Two portable goalposts have been acquired, while the pitch continues to undergo meticulous maintenance.
Regular watering and leveling efforts are ensuring the grass retains its optimal quality ahead of the tournament, now just six months away.
One of the most notable advancements is the construction of changing rooms near the entrance gate. The new facility will feature two blocks, and interior work has already commenced.
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Kasarani has been earmarked for AFCON 2027 while renovations works will ensure the stadium joins Nyayo for hosting the postponed 2024 CHAN matches.
The first phase of tile installation is underway, with players’ lockers already in place. However, exterior walls are still awaiting full plastering.
Plumbing work is yet to commence, and electrical wiring, including socket installations, remains incomplete.
These infrastructural delays contributed to the tournament’s postponement, as the training facilities were not ready for use in February.
Additionally, work is still pending on the lower outer pitch to ensure its readiness before the tournament.
Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum provided an update on the project timeline:
“We intend to finish the first two phases of this stadium by April. That’s why you can see most of the work has already been done in these phases. We are bringing them forward to ensure we are fully prepared for AFCON.”
Kenya, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, is set to co-host the rescheduled CHAN 2024 tournament in August 2025, followed by the prestigious AFCON 2027.
