Nyayo Stadium is likely to open its turf for matches by September 2024. This is a major welcome for Harambee Stars, who have been hosting their home matches on foreign soil, having faced Cote d’Ivoire and Burundi at Bingu Stadium in Malawi.
Kenya is set to apply for a provisional license from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to use Nyayo Stadium and other local facilities in their bid to secure a slot at the upcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, to be held in Morocco in 2025.
Stadium renovations
Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, and other local stadiums could not meet the international standards set by CAF as minimum requirements for hosting international matches.
The ongoing renovations in the main stadiums leave Kenya without any internationally approved stadium.
Kakamega’s Bukhungu Stadium and Afraha Stadium in Nakuru are currently being upgraded, with the newly launched 60,000-capacity Talanta Sports City stadium under construction in the capital, Nairobi.
FKF chairman’s assurance
While addressing the media, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman Nick Mwendwa confirmed that Nyayo Stadium will be available for matches before the AFCON qualifiers kick off.
“We will apply for a provisional license in July, and I assure you, we will get it. I want to promise Kenyans that if the Ministry (Sports) finishes the work, then we are going to host AFCON qualifiers in September in the country,” said Mwendwa.
He was speaking after the Kenya U-17 junior women Starlets team secured a venue to play at the U-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic in October 2024.
Mwendwa showed optimism in the progress of the ongoing work, saying, “I met with the contractor carrying out renovations at Nyayo Stadium and I believe if all happens as planned, the ongoing work will have been completed by the time we apply for the provisional license.”
Confidence in Harambee Stars
The FKF chairman also expressed his confidence in the performance of the Harambee Stars and remained optimistic about their chances of qualifying for the 2025 African Cup of Nations finals.
“We are developing a solid team, and I am glad there is consistent growth in our game. We won the four-nation tournament and displayed an impressive performance with a draw against Burundi and Ivory Coast,” Mwendwa noted.
Nick Mwendwa emphasized the importance of support and actions that will aid in consistency in every area of the game.
“If we can perform consistently, then we can achieve anything. We have had much improvement and there is no need to speak too much because the results will speak for themselves now or later.”
Urgency for Provisional License
Considering that Kenya recently hosted its World Cup qualifier matches, meant for home soil, in Lilongwe, Malawi, the urgency to secure a provisional license for Nyayo Stadium is a significant move to ensure future international matches are staged on Harambee Stars’ home grounds.
