AFC Leopards handed reprieve in hosting Mashemeji Derby in Nairobi
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 19.02.26. | 18:36
The situation would have particularly affected the high-profile clash between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, as Nyayo and Kasarani are the only venues with sufficient capacity to host fans from both sides
There is renewed hope that the Mashemeji Derby could be staged at Nyayo National Stadium after fresh indications that the facility may not be closed for renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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Fears had emerged that Nyayo would be shut down for upgrades in preparation for the 2027 AFCON. With Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, already closed, FKF Premier League clubs, most of them Nairobi-based, were staring at a potential venue crisis.
The situation would have particularly affected the high-profile clash between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia, as Nyayo and Kasarani are the only venues with sufficient capacity to host fans from both sides.
However, there now appears to be light at the end of the tunnel. Nyayo has been earmarked to host the Kip Keino Classic on Friday, 24 April, just two days before the pencilled date for the Mashemeji Derby.
If the athletics meet is staged at the venue, it would strongly suggest that the stadium will remain operational, potentially clearing the way for the derby to be played there.
Athletics Kenya Youth Development chairperson Barnaba Korir revealed on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he held talks with the new Sports Kenya Director General to secure the stadium for the event.
“Today at the Nyayo National Stadium, I met with Sports Stadia Director General Mr Timothy Kilimo, Julius, Diana, and Jimmy as we work to confirming the venue for the Kip Keino Classic on April 24. The chances are very high that we’ll host it here,” read his post.
Nyayo was among the host venues for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), staging several Group A matches, although Kenya’s Harambee Stars played their fixtures at Kasarani.
Earlier this week, 2027 AFCON Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman Nicholas Musonye indicated that Nyayo had been earmarked as a training venue for AFCON, with hopes it could also be cleared to host select low-profile matches during the tournament set to be staged in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in June and July 2027.
Should Nyayo remain open, it would hand FKF Premier League clubs a major boost and significantly increase the chances of the Mashemeji Derby being played at a venue capable of accommodating its massive fan base.
