Kenya saves part of Kasarani Stadium from demolition after renegotiating CAF demands
By Joel Masibo, September 6, 2026The Kenyan government has saved three-quarters of Kasarani Stadium from demolition after renegotiating some of the demands raised by CAF ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
While calming concerns over its preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the government revealed that it has revised plans concerning hospitality facilities at Kasarani. An earlier proposal had recommended the construction of 61 hospitality skyboxes, but consultations resulted in an agreement to provide six instead.
A stadium skybox (or luxury box) is a private, upscale viewing suite located high up in an arena or stadium.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya also assured Kenyans that preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 are progressing as planned, despite emerging reports questioning the country’s readiness.
“Doing 61 skyboxes at Kasarani Stadium would have meant we would have to demolish three quarters of the stadium; we re-negotiated and now we are doing six.” Mvurya said while addressing the media on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
The revised approach will eliminate the need for major structural modifications while ensuring Kasarani retains its ability to host both football and athletics events.
The CS further said it would be premature to conclude that Kenya has failed to satisfy the Confederation of African Football (CAF) hosting requirements because the official findings from the governing body’s most recent inspection have not yet been released.
He urged Kenyans to wait for the formal CAF report rather than rely on reports based on preliminary assessments or speculation.
“There is no cause for alarm or panic. We are committed to delivering a successful Africa Cup of Nations. Kenya remains on schedule, and we will provide a comprehensive update once we receive the full CAF report,” CS Mvurya said.
Kenya’s preparations are centred on two key competition venues, the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City and the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Raila Odinga International Stadium is reported to be about 94 per cent complete, putting it among the country’s major infrastructure projects ahead of the tournament. At Kasarani, renovation work is also underway, including the redevelopment of the football pitch.
Kenya is preparing for the tournament under the PAMOJA partnership alongside Uganda and Tanzania, with the three East African nations continuing to coordinate with CAF on preparations and delivery of the competition.
The government has consequently sought to reassure the public that the work is progressing within the required framework and that any concerns will be addressed through continued engagement with CAF.
The 2027 AFCON will be a landmark tournament for East Africa, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania jointly hosting the competition under the PAMOJA arrangement. For Kenya, completing the required stadium and infrastructure projects on time will remain central to its ability to deliver a successful tournament.