Sports Kenya Confirms Kasarani Stadium Closure Ahead of AFCON 2027 Upgrades

Sports Kenya has officially confirmed the closure of the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, to facilitate intensive Phase II upgrading works ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

While the national sports body has clarified that both major facilities are ultimately slated for upgrades, the Nyayo National Stadium remains temporarily accessible for the HSBC SVNS Division 2 and other scheduled high-profile events this month before its own full closure.

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The closure of Kasarani is part of a strategic government push to prepare Kenya for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Following the conclusion of the CHAN 2024 tournament, the Ministry of Sports and Sports Kenya have prioritised bringing the country’s premier stadium up to international standards.

Sports Kenya Director General, Timothy Kilimo, noted in a circular that the contractor is already on-site. The upgrades at Kasarani will be comprehensive, focusing on the main stadium and its adjacent annexes, meaning all training facilities within the complex will also be off-limits to federations and local clubs.

“In reference to the above subject, please be advised that the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani is set to undergo Phase II upgrading works to complete the outstanding scope in preparation for AFCON 2027,” the statement from Sports Kenya read.

“The contractor is already on-site to commence these critical renovations aimed at meeting international standards required for the tournament. Consequently, the Main Stadium and all adjacent facilities in its annexes will remain closed to the public and all sporting activities effective immediately.

“All federations and event organisers are hereby requested to move upcoming events to alternative venues. We regret any inconvenience caused as we work to improve our national sporting infrastructure.”

While Kasarani is officially shut, Nyayo National Stadium is being granted a brief grace period to host specific international and domestic fixtures.

Most notably, the stadium is set to host the HSBC SVNS 2 Rugby Sevens Tournament on February 14–15, 2026. This world-class event has already sold out, with over 11,000 fans expected to fill the stands.

However, football fans and clubs have been warned that this window is narrow. Sports Kenya has indicated that Nyayo will also be unavailable for use by late February or early March as it joins Kasarani in the final sprint toward 2027 readiness.

The announcement has sparked a venue crisis for Kenya’s footballing heavyweights, Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. With Kasarani closed and Nyayo nearing its shutdown, the two clubs are scouting for alternative homes.

For now, all eyes remain on the limited alternative venues like the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos to keep the local leagues running until the 'Home of Heroes' reopens its gates.