CAF Inspectors Arrive as Kenya Prepares to Close Nyayo and Kasarani for AFCON 2027 Upgrades

A team of Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspectors has arrived in Nairobi to assess key facilities ahead of the planned temporary closure of Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The visit forms part of ongoing preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The inspection is expected to focus on stadium infrastructure, training grounds, security arrangements, media facilities, and overall compliance with CAF’s hosting requirements.

Sports authorities in Kenya have confirmed that both Nyayo and Kasarani will undergo significant renovations aimed at meeting international standards. Planned upgrades reportedly include improvements to pitch quality, seating areas, floodlighting systems, dressing rooms, and broadcast infrastructure. Safety and crowd management systems are also expected to be reviewed as part of the modernization process.

The temporary closure of the two iconic venues will have an immediate impact on domestic football. Several Kenyan Premier League clubs and national teams that rely on the facilities will need to secure alternative venues during the renovation period. Sports Kenya and the Football Kenya Federation are expected to outline contingency plans to minimize disruptions to league and international fixtures.

Nyayo and Kasarani have long served as the heartbeat of Kenyan sport, hosting major continental matches, athletics competitions, and regional tournaments. Their upgrade is considered a crucial step in ensuring the country is fully prepared to stage one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.

CAF’s inspection will help determine timelines, identify areas requiring urgent attention, and provide recommendations to ensure that renovation works align with tournament standards. With AFCON 2027 drawing closer, the pressure is mounting for host nations to deliver infrastructure that reflects the scale and prestige of the competition.

For Kenya, the current inspections signal both a challenge and an opportunity — a challenge to complete the works on schedule, and an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for football and sport in the country.