Government Reveals Planned Upgrades to Nyayo Stadium for AFCON 2027

The Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, has announced fresh plans to further upgrade Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium to meet international standards ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The move comes as part of Kenya's joint preparations with Uganda and Tanzania to co-host the prestigious continental football showpiece.

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The stadium, which is among Kenya’s most iconic sports venues, has already undergone renovations in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), also jointly hosted by the three East African nations this August.

However, according to CS Mvurya, that was just the beginning of a broader infrastructure overhaul as Kenya positions itself as a premier sporting destination on the continent.

Speaking during the Harambee Stars pre-CHAN press conference on July 9 at the Stadion Hotel in Kasarani, Mvurya emphasized the government's continued commitment to sports infrastructure development.

He revealed that once CHAN concludes, work will commence on installing a canopy over the Nyayo National Stadium, an upgrade aimed at elevating the facility to international status.

"Immediately after CHAN, we will do a canopy on the Nyayo National Stadium so that we can now bring it to an international facility," said the CS.

"The journey to upgrade the infrastructure is not ending with CHAN, we will continue."

Mvurya underscored that the planned developments were part of a long-term vision tied to the 2027 AFCON, where Kenya will showcase not only its footballing talent but also its readiness to host on the continental stage.

"We have identified several other grounds that we need to upgrade, and therefore work will continue," he added.

The CS also highlighted other key infrastructure projects currently underway, pointing to Talanta Stadium as a centerpiece of Kenya’s AFCON 2027 hosting ambitions.

"Remember in December we'll be taking over Talanta City Stadium, which will completely change the ecosystem of football," he said.

The under-construction Talanta Stadium will be complemented by refurbished facilities at both Kasarani and Nyayo, creating a robust triad of top-tier venues.

Mvurya affirmed that the government is committed to building more sporting amenities across the country to ensure a legacy beyond AFCON.

“We have identified other areas that we need to do sports amenities, which we will continue to do, and therefore that investment will continue,” he reiterated.

With AFCON 2027 on the horizon, Kenya’s efforts to enhance sports infrastructure not only reflect its readiness to host but also signal a transformative era for the country’s sports sector.