Kasarani overhaul deepens Kenya’s AFCON 2027 infrastructure push

Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, is undergoing a major reconstruction as Kenya works to meet CAF requirements for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nairobi venue is being developed into a 60,000-capacity stadium for major international fixtures, although it was previously described as a 48,000-seater facility.

The latest phase has included the removal of the old playing surface and extensive ground preparation. Contractors have installed drainage pipes, filtration layers and a new soil profile ahead of laying a hybrid Bermuda-grass pitch. The upgraded surface is intended to remain reliable in different weather conditions.

The stadium’s wider improvements include a spectator canopy that is 99 per cent complete, replacement seating, upgraded VIP and VVIP areas, improved changing rooms and modern media facilities. The project also features 2,000-lux floodlights, animation screens, VAR infrastructure and automated ticketing technology.

Two training pitches at the Kasarani complex have also been rehabilitated. The venue was refurbished before Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania jointly hosted the 2025 African Nations Championship, but the standards required for the senior Africa Cup of Nations are higher and have demanded deeper structural work.

Kasarani is one part of a wider Kenyan hosting plan centred on several facilities. The new Raila Odinga International Stadium was reported to be 95 per cent complete, while national preparations were placed at about 80 per cent. Nyayo, Ulinzi and Police SACCO facilities have been identified as training venues, with Kasarani and Raila Odinga expected to play central roles in the tournament plan.

The progress of the new stadium has raised the possibility of Kenya hosting both the opening match and the final, but Kasarani’s reconstruction highlights the broader test facing the co-hosts. CAF will assess not only the main arenas, but also training grounds, transport, hotels, security and broadcast operations. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have identified August 2026 as an important infrastructure and operations checkpoint, leaving time for inspections, corrections and full testing before the tournament begins on June 19, 2027.