A tour of the now-approved Nyayo National Stadium that will be used for CHAN 2024, including the installed lights, dressing room renovations and the status of the playing surface.
Preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) are entering their final stretch at Nyayo National Stadium, with workers racing against the clock to elevate the facility to CAF Category 4 standards.
The tournament, set to kick off on February 1, 2025, will see Kenya co-hosting alongside Uganda and Tanzania, with significant upgrades underway to meet CAF's requirements.
CAF classifies stadiums into four categories, with Category 3 and 4 venues required for hosting marquee tournaments such as AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
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Currently, Nyayo Stadium holds a Category 2 status, limiting its use to CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup preliminary matches. The ongoing renovations aim to elevate the stadium to Category 4, enabling it to host high-profile CHAN matches.
Key improvements include a drainage system to ensure playability during heavy rains and upgrades to other critical areas such as lighting, seating, and player amenities.
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Progress updates
A recent video shared by Tata Sports on YouTube provides an inside look at Nyayo's transformation, showcasing remarkable advancements in various areas:
Lighting Enhancements
Four lighting poles have been erected around the stadium, designed to accommodate lights with a beaming capacity of up to 2000 lux. These lights will enable night games, a feature that will extend the stadium's usability beyond the tournament.
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Playing surface
The playing field is nearly complete, with a lush green grass cover that has only a few patches left to be filled. Contractors are optimistic about meeting the deadline. However, the grass will be replaced after CHAN, as Nyayo is set to serve as a training venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
VIP & Media Tribune
The VIP section has undergone significant improvements, including the addition of a media tribune on the left-hand side of the stand. A dedicated area for the main broadcasting camera has also been created, ensuring better coverage during matches.
Seating: Spectators will use the same seats installed during renovations between 2017 and 2019.
Washrooms: Public washrooms have been extensively renovated, offering improved facilities for fans.
Player Tunnel: A fireproof telescopic tunnel has been installed to enhance player safety. The tunnel can be quickly extended or closed to minimize disruptions during matches.
Dressing rooms
The stadium now boasts four nearly complete dressing rooms, with enhanced ventilation systems to address past issues. The referees' dressing room has also been upgraded, ensuring teams and officials have access to top-tier facilities during the tournament.
Nyayo’s ongoing transformation underscores Kenya’s commitment to hosting successful international tournaments.
While Uganda and Tanzania already have CAF-approved stadiums, the upgrades at Nyayo, Kasarani, and the new Talanta City complex signal Kenya’s determination to meet and exceed CAF standards.