Kenya is making strides in its stadia infrastructure ahead of what promises to be a football fiesta season.
Kenya is poised for a significant boost in what promises to be an exciting football season as another key sporting facility undergoes a major upgrade.
The country is preparing to host prestigious tournaments, including the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), both in partnership with Uganda and Tanzania.
In readiness for these tournaments, Kenya has designated the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums for CHAN, while the under-construction Talanta Stadium and Kipchoge Keino Stadium will also play a crucial role.
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Harambee Starlets have moved up seven places in the latest FIFA rankings thanks to their impressive results against Tunisia in the WAFCON qualifiers.
These stadiums have undergone significant renovations in anticipation of the football extravaganza.
However, they will need to be complemented by additional facilities, such as the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Bukhungu Stadium, Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, and Moi Stadium.
Joining this league of upgraded sports infrastructure is the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay.
The Ministry of Sports has flagged off a facelift that will elevate the stadium from its current 2,000-seat capacity to a world-class 10,000-seat facility.
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AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has confirmed that the club officially submitted all the paperwork on Tuesday, 5th March 2025, to acquire the land in Kasarani supposed to be used for the building of its stadium.
The second phase of construction is now officially underway, with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya overseeing the handover of the site to the contractor on Thursday, marking the commencement of a major redevelopment effort.
“I officially handed over the construction works for the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County this afternoon. The project is set for completion by May 20, 2025,” stated CS Mvurya.
While the primary objective of the upgrade is to host the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2025, the facility will subsequently serve its intended purpose as a sports venue.
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Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has joined the list of highest paid Africa national team coaches but he still does not compare to many others on the continent.
The stadium has already hosted FKF Premier League matches, serving as Shabana FC’s home ground last season.
With CHAN approaching and AFCON 2027 on the horizon, the upgraded facility could prove crucial in a football-mad region like Nyanza.
The government has expressed interest in hosting some of the tournament games in the area, further enhancing Kenya’s reputation as a football hub in the region.
