Nearly complete Afraha Stadium earmarked for hosting 2024 CHAN

FOOTBALL Nearly complete Afraha Stadium earmarked for hosting 2024 CHAN

Mark Kinyanjui 07:38 - 01.02.2024

Afraha Stadium set to be reopened in March after three years of renovations.

After enduring three years of extensive renovations, Afraha Stadium in Nakuru is now expected to be re-opened in March after “90 percent completion”.

The ambitious upgrade project, which commenced on April 30, 2021, sought to elevate the venerable 74-year-old stadium to international standards.

The 8,000 seater stadium has been upgraded to a 15,000-seater capacity.

Some of the other changes made include the improvement of the playing field, new changing rooms, new stands with canopies, and laying of a new tartan track for athletics at a cost of  Ksh683 million – Ksh 32 million above the initial budget.

Initially slated to be completed within 14 months, the refurbishment process experienced significant delays, extending the completion timeline by over a year

The ASK Showground, Nakuru Athletics Club, and Kabarak University grounds graciously hosted sporting events for Nakuru teams, providing a temporary solution to the logistical challenge imposed by the renovation works.

“We are optimistic that we are going to be part and parcel of the stadia that are going to host the African Nations Championships,” Gitau Thambaja, the Nakuru City manager said.

“We have managed to meet the international standards by both Athletics Kenya and the Football Kenya Federation. It meets the standards both in football and track now,” Kamau Kuria, the planning chief officer told Citizen TV.

The facility will ease the pressure on Machakos Stadium which has had to be used more often recently for FKFPL games as Kasarani Stadium is already undergoing major renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Nyayo Stadium will also be closed once Kasarani’s renovation is complete.

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