Blow to KPL clubs as Kasarani Stadium closed for upgrades ahead of AFCON 2027
By Joel Masibo, February 11, 2026The Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, will be closed to pave way for Phase II upgrading works as Kenya steps up preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), dealing Football Kenya Federation Premier League clubs a massive blow.
In a circular dated February 6, 2026, Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo has notified all sports federations that the facility will undergo further improvements to align with Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, forcing KPL clubs to seek for alternative venues for league matches.
According to the statement, the contractor is scheduled to commence works this month, February 2026, to complete the outstanding scope of the project in readiness for the continental showpiece.
Kasarani closed
“This is to notify you of the closure of the main stadium and its annexes at MISC, and to request that upcoming events be moved to alternative venues,” read part of the communication addressed to all federations.
The closure comes shortly after the facility staged the CAF Confederation Cup Group B action between Nairobi United and Wydad AC on Sunday, February 8, 2026, as concerns emerged over the stadium’s poor playing surface.
The closure affects the main stadium as well as its annex facilities, meaning local and international events previously scheduled at Kasarani will have to be relocated.
Kasarani has been a key venue for major sporting activities in the country, including football matches, athletics competitions and other national events. Its temporary shutdown is expected to prompt federations and clubs to seek alternative grounds as the country pushes to ensure its infrastructure meets CAF’s requirements ahead of AFCON 2027.
A copy of the letter was sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, as well as the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, both based at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi.
Joint AFCON hosting
Kenya is jointly preparing to host the 2027 AFCON alongside its East African neighbours (Tanzania and Uganda), making the upgrade of key facilities such as Kasarani a critical component of the country’s hosting commitments.
Apart from Kasarani, Nayyo National Stadium is also poised to be closed after staging the HSBC SVNS 2 tournament on the weekend of Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, 2026. The two stadiums, alongside the under-construction Talanata Stadium, are earmarked to stage the 2027 AFCON matches in Nairobi.