Harambee Stars have not hosted a home clash at Nyayo National Stadium since November 2021.
Kenyan football fans have reason to celebrate as the Harambee Stars will finally play a crucial home fixture on local soil.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Kenya’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Gabon on March 24 will be held at Nyayo National Stadium, marking a significant milestone in the country’s preparations for hosting major continental tournaments.
CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, Samson Adamu, who led an inspection tour of Kenya’s facilities over the weekend, expressed satisfaction with the progress made at Nyayo and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
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“I’d like to thank Kenya for the commitment to make sure the tournament is a success. A lot of people were excited about the CHAN draw organized in Nairobi,” Adamu stated.
“Congratulations to Kenya because there is great progress since January, which means that work has not stopped even after the tournament was postponed.”
The decision to host the World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium is seen as a key test event ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of Kenya’s LOC for CHAN and AFCON, confirmed that additional test matches are being planned at both Nyayo and Kasarani.
Harambee Stars have been forced to play their recent home fixtures on foreign soil due to stadium unavailability.
Their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and Cote d’Ivoire were staged in Malawi, while 2025 AFCON qualifiers took place in Uganda and South Africa. The return to Nyayo is a significant morale boost for players and fans alike.
Harambee Stars currently sit fourth in Group F with five points from four matches.
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Cote d’Ivoire leads with 10 points, followed by Gabon (nine), and Burundi (seven). Gambia (three points) and Seychelles (zero) round out the group.
The top team from each of the nine groups qualifies directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the four best runners-up advancing to intercontinental playoffs.
CAF’s delegation will continue their East African tour, inspecting venues in Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar before concluding their assessment.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s football faithful will eagerly await Harambee Stars’ highly anticipated return to Nyayo Stadium in March, hoping for a crucial victory on home soil.
