Massive blow for FKFPL teams as government announces closure of key facility for renovations
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 11.02.26. | 16:45
The inspection comes at a time when Sports Kenya has officially confirmed the closure of the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, to facilitate intensive Phase II upgrading works ahead of Afcon 2027
Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials are in the country to inspect Kenya’s venues ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi confirmed that the officials are in Kenya at the invitation of the government to assess the country’s preparedness for the continental showpiece.
“We have invited them to come and assess our preparedness for the Afcon to ensure we are on point,” Mwangi said.
Apart from the three major venues in Nairobi, the inspectors are also expected to visit Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu, Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret and Mombasa County Stadium.
Mwangi described the additional venues as part of a contingency plan in case CAF directs that some matches be staged outside the capital.
“We already have the three major venues that will be hosting the event, but we have also gone ahead and included Mombasa and Eldoret. This is just in case CAF wants some of the matches to be played outside Nairobi so that we will be ready and not caught off guard,” he added.
The inspection comes at a time when Sports Kenya has officially confirmed the closure of the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, to facilitate intensive Phase II upgrading works ahead of Afcon 2027.
While both Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium are slated for upgrades, Nyayo will remain temporarily accessible to host scheduled high-profile events this month before its own full closure.
The shutdown of Kasarani is expected to disrupt several federations and sports disciplines that rely on the facility.
Of particular concern is the ongoing Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League, which is already grappling with a shortage of suitable match venues in Nairobi.
Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo, in a circular dated 6 February, confirmed that the contractor is already on site.
The works at Kasarani will be comprehensive, covering the main stadium and its adjacent annexes, meaning all training facilities within the complex will also be out of bounds.
“In reference to the above subject, please be advised that the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, is set to undergo Phase II upgrading works to complete the outstanding scope in preparation for AFCON 2027,” the statement read.
“The contractor is already on-site to commence these critical renovations aimed at meeting international standards required for the tournament. Consequently, the Main Stadium and all adjacent facilities in its annexes will remain closed to the public and all sporting activities effective, immediately.
All federations and event organisers are hereby requested to move upcoming events to alternative venues. We regret any inconvenience caused as we work to improve our national sporting infrastructure.”
Nyayo has been granted a short grace period to host select international and domestic fixtures before its closure.
Most notably, the stadium will host the HSBC SVNS 2 Rugby Sevens Tournament on February 14-15, 2026