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Sports Kenya issues Kasarani Stadium renovation updates ahead of AFCON 2027
02nd June, 2026 07:44 PM
As Kenya intensifies preparations to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, Sports Kenya has taken another significant step towards upgrading key sporting infrastructure with the planned installation of a modern pitch irrigation sprinkler system at Kasarani.
In an update on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Sports Kenya announced that its engineers, working alongside UNES Consultant Kennedy Otieno and Team Leader Prof. Abonyo, conducted a joint assessment, setting out, and offsetting exercise for pipework at the Main Stadium, Lower Annex, and Upper Annex.
The exercise is part of ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring that the stadium facilities meet international standards ahead of the continental football showpiece. The planned irrigation system is expected to enhance pitch quality by providing efficient and consistent watering, a critical requirement for maintaining world-class playing surfaces.
“Sports Kenya engineers, in collaboration with UNES Consultant Mr. Kennedy Otieno and Team Leader Prof. Abonyo, today conducted a joint assessment, setting out, and offsetting exercise for pipework across the Main Stadium, Lower, and Upper Annex. The exercise marks a key step in the installation of a modern pitch irrigation sprinkler system as Kenya gears up to host AFCON.” The statement said.
According to Sports Kenya, the assessment focused on determining the precise layout and positioning of the pipework that will support the sprinkler system installation. The collaborative exercise brought together technical experts tasked with ensuring the project is executed accurately and efficiently.
Stadia modernisation
The modernisation of stadium infrastructure forms part of Kenya’s broader preparations for AFCON, which will see the country host some of Africa’s top football nations in few months time. Improved pitch conditions are expected to contribute significantly to player performance, safety, and the overall quality of matches during the tournament.
Kenya has been undertaking a series of renovations and upgrades across its sporting facilities as it seeks to deliver a successful AFCON tournament.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s match venues and training facilities that will be used during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are already unveiled..
According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, the under-construction Talanta Sports City will serve as Kenya’s primary venue for the tournament. The ultra-modern stadium is expected to have a seating capacity of 60,000, making it the biggest football arena in the country once completed.
The under-renovation Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, has also been confirmed as one of the main venues for the competition. The stadium, which has hosted several major international sporting events in the past, boasts a capacity of 48,000 spectators and remains a key facility in Kenya’s sports infrastructure.
Nyayo National Stadium has been listed as the alternative venue for the tournament. The iconic stadium in Nairobi has undergone renovations in recent years and is expected to play a significant supporting role during AFCON 2027.
Several training grounds that teams will use during the tournament preparations and competition period have been confirmed. The identified facilities include Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco grounds, Moi International Sports Centre Annex 1 and Annex 2, Kenya Academy of Sports Ground One and Ground Two, Utalii College Grounds, Talanta Sports City Stadium 1, and Kirigiti Stadium. The 2027 AFCON opening match will be played on Saturday, June 19, 2027, and the final on Saturday, July 17, 2027, at venues yet to be confirmed.
