Sports

FIFA begins stadiums inspection tour in Kenya

Nancy Marende 05th March, 2026 06:19 PM

Officials from the world football governing body FIFA have begun an inspection tour of stadiums in Kenya as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen football infrastructure in the country.

In a statement on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed stated that the officials, Abigael Hailemichael and Davis Ndayisenga, are currently in the country conducting the tour alongside officials from the federation.

“FIFA officials Abigael Hailemichael and Davis Ndayisenga are in the country for an inspection tour. Today, alongside FKF officials, they inspected Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, Police Sacco, and Ulinzi Sports Complex.”

Further, Mohammed noted that the partnership between the federation and FIFA continues to strengthen, expressing optimism about the future of Kenyan football.

“The collaboration between FIFA and FKF is growing stronger by the day and we look forward to sustaining a progressive working relationship. Major announcements coming soon! Kenyan football is on the rise.”

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed’s statement on March 5, 2026. PHOTO/ A screengrab by K24 Digital of posts by @husseinmoha
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This comes a few weeks after the government was forced into an embarrassing and costly U-turn after Kenyans launched a scathing social media campaign against ‘bakuli’ seats being installed at the flagship Talanta stadium.

Images of green non-foldable bucket seats at the Talanta stadium (recently renamed the Raila Odinga International Stadium) sparked a digital riot weeks ago.

Critics argued that the fixed plastic chairs were outdated, reduced legroom, and were an insult to the multi-billion shilling budget allocated for the AFCON 2027 venue.

In a rare move of immediate accountability, the government confirmed on February 7, 2026, that it had listened to the fuming public as images emerged showing the bucket seats being removed.

Non-foldable plastic bucket seats that were initially installed at Talanta stadium before public uproar forced the government to remove them [L]. Aerial view of the state-of-the art sports facility [R]. PHOTOS/@TheTackleKE, @CaptainKipkorir/X

During a visit to Talanta Stadium on Saturday, February 7, 2026, President William Ruto addressed criticism of the stadium’s progress and features.

Addressing critics, the president noted that while some were busy doubting the project or focusing on claims of mismanagement elsewhere, the government remained committed to delivering tangible results.

“They were busy treating doubts… Now look, see for yourselves; Talanta Stadium is right here. Hii ni noma sana, mtapenda,” Ruto said.