Photos of a tent at Kasarani Stadium, slated to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, sparked public disapproval amid hosting preparations.
A public uproar has surged following the appearance of photographs depicting a large tent erected at the center of the pitch at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The very heart of the sporting ground, which is among those earmarked for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations hosting, had a big stage and tents with neatly arranged chairs, stoking widespread resentment.
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19:01 - 12.09.2023
STADIA Sports Kenya under fire over crusade on Nyayo Stadium pitch
Kenyans have come out guns blazing against Sports Kenya for allowing a religious event in the middle of the pitch at Nyayo Stadium just weeks after renovations.
The looming monumental crusade, scheduled for the 13th and 14th of October 2023 by spiritual pastor Evelyn Joshua, has brought to the fore the ongoing debate about the dual use of sporting facilities in the country.
It is a worldwide practice to host concerts and crusades inside stadiums but the playing surface is always protected before the erection of tents which normally damages the grass if left unshielded.
Kenyans have not held back their feelings about this and the general sentiment has been one of disappointment and frustration, especially given the stadium's significance in the sporting community and its slated future events.
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10:46 - 13.10.2023
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Kasarani Stadium, which has been in the headlines recently due to its earmarking for renovations, is set to be one of the pivotal venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya has been grappling with a dearth of stadiums, leading to bottlenecks and scheduling challenges for various sporting events.
One social media user lamented, "Why is there a crusade at Kasarani stadium? Is it not supposed to be closed for renovations? Please just let these stadiums be used for sporting activities only. It is sad that they want to do to it what they did to Nyayo stadium."
Another netizen humorously remarked, "Moi International Stadium Kasarani is set to host another crusade jana nikiwa Kangemi niliona gari ikipita (roadshow) wakitangaza (yesterday as I was in Kangemi I saw a roadshow passing while announcing it).... Anyway, our stadiums were closed for renovations..."
A more grave note was struck by another commentator, highlighting the broader implications of such actions, "Both Nyayo and Kasarani are currently banned from hosting high profile international matches after failing inspection tests conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials and will need a lot of improvements before they can be allowed to host AFCON matches in four years’ time."
Yet another person took to X (formerly Twitter) to jest about the situation: "Sports CS, Kasarani Stadium will be closed for renovation. The Renovation...,"
Sport Kenya has previously defended its decisions on such issues, explaining that the lack of adequate government funding compels them to seek self-generated revenue streams.