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Reports emerged last weekend that CAF had disapproved the grass at Moi Stadium Kasarani, citing concerns over its quality and suitability.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has addressed concerns regarding the replanting of grass at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani following reports that CAF (Confederation of African Football) had instructed Kenya to uproot the recently planted turf.
The decision came after the continental football body recommended that the grass used was not up to their standards.
Speaking at the Talanta Sports Plaza, where he hosted the Rising Stars squad fresh from their qualification for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Murkomen assured the public that CAF’s recommendations were being fully implemented.
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10:30 - 08.10.2024
Sports Ministry in the eye of a storm over inflated cost of stadia renovation
After revelations that Ksh1 billion was spent on consultancy services for AFCON 2027, it has now emerged that the cost of upgrading two stadiums was inflated without any explanation.
"As a country, we have gone to great lengths to invite experts from CAF. They came here and have provided us with a fantastic report on how we can improve the grass surfaces both at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium," Murkomen explained.
He further elaborated on the planned timeline, stating, "The recommendations they gave are excellent. Some will be implemented after CHAN, and some are being worked on between now and December to ensure we are ready for the tournament by February."
The government has committed to ensuring that the stadium , is ready by the end of November in preparation for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host.
10:30 - 08.10.2024
Sports Ministry in the eye of a storm over inflated cost of stadia renovation
After revelations that Ksh1 billion was spent on consultancy services for AFCON 2027, it has now emerged that the cost of upgrading two stadiums was inflated without any explanation.
Murkomen also revealed that after CHAN, a more significant overhaul would be done at Nyayo Stadium, with plans to eventually replace the Kikuyu grass to meet international standards.
“We’ve agreed to maintain the grass at Nyayo for now due to timelines, but after CHAN, we will remove the Kikuyu grass. We are grateful to CAF for providing such strong technical support, including advising us on the necessary equipment to ensure our pitches are of top quality,” Murkomen added.
Kasarani Stadium has been undergoing renovations since last year, with upgrades being carried out to prepare for both CHAN 2024 and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The renovation project was initially overseen by former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba, and Murkomen has pledged to complete the stadium by November’s deadline.
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16:45 - 16.09.2024
President William Ruto confirms when Kenya intends to hand over stadia for CHAN & AFCON tournaments
President William Ruto has insisted Kenya will stay true to the timelines given for the completion of stadiums to be used for CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027 tournaments.
On Sunday, 15th September, Murkomen and CAF President Patrice Motsepe visited Kasarani to assess the ongoing works.
They also toured the Talanta Sports City construction site and Nyayo Stadium to gauge Kenya’s preparedness for the upcoming continental tournaments. Speaking during the visit, Murkomen expressed confidence in delivering the stadium on time.
“This stadium (Kasarani), as I promised, will be delivered before December to ensure it’s ready for CHAN preparations. Every effort is being made to meet this goal. Kenya and East Africa are committed to supporting CAF in ensuring the tournament's success,” he said.
CAF President Motsepe lauded Kenya’s progress, praising President William Ruto’s leadership in football development. He expressed confidence in Kenya and East Africa's ability to successfully host both AFCON and CHAN.
“I am deeply grateful and very proud of the leadership President Ruto is providing for football and CHAN. I am confident that with all of us working together, African football will become one of the best in the world,” Motsepe remarked.
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