What Kisumu’s revamped Moi Stadium will feature after the Sh800 million upgrade

Kisumu’s hopes of hosting matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have suffered a major setback after the government confirmed that Moi Stadium will be rebuilt as a 10,000-seater facility, far below the initially proposed 30,000 capacity.

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The Sh800 million modernization project was officially launched on Thursday, with construction works set to be undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

The government expects the project to be completed by December 2026.

Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony in Kisumu, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said the upgraded stadium will meet international standards once completed.

Tuya revealed that the facility will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a roofed western stand, a standard football pitch, and an eight-lane athletics track with a tartan surface compliant with World Athletics regulations.

The works will also include mechanical, electrical, and civil installations, perimeter fencing, and adequate parking for both VIPs and spectators.

In October 2023, the Ministry of Sports, then under Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, announced that the stadium would be upgraded to a 30,000-seater venue as part of Kenya’s proposed facilities for the 2027 AFCON.

The initial plan also included the construction of an indoor arena, an aquatics center, and an outdoor recreational and service block.

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However, the scope of the project changed in July this year when President William Ruto announced that the stadium would instead undergo a facelift costing close to Sh800 million.

Although the groundbreaking had been anticipated earlier, delays meant that local sports stakeholders only witnessed the official launch this week.

Moi Stadium has served as a home ground for several teams for more than three decades.

During the ceremony, CS Tuya urged county governments to develop sustainability plans around modern sports infrastructure, warning that maintenance remains a major challenge.

“One of the biggest issues we are facing is the sustainability of the state-of-the-art sports facilities being put up across the country,” Tuya said. “County governments must put in place proper, long-term plans to ensure these investments remain viable.”

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She added that multi-purpose sports facilities offer opportunities for complementary economic activities that can enhance their sustainability.

The modernization of Moi Stadium aims to transform the aging venue into a hub for youth talent development and major sporting events, placing it on par with national and international facilities.

Tuya noted that the project forms part of the government’s broader agenda to modernize sports infrastructure as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social inclusion, and economic growth.

“This facility will provide a platform for young athletes to identify, nurture, and showcase their talents at national, regional, and international levels,” she said. “It will also promote community cohesion and healthy lifestyles.”

Built in the 1980s, Moi Stadium has been home to Kisumu All Stars, Michael Olunga Football Academy (MOFA), Kisumu All Starlets, Kisped Queens, Vihiga United, and Vihiga Queens.

The teams will be forced to seek alternative venues during the construction period.