Ababu Namwamba's statement on closure of main stadia in Kenya

Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has addressed concerns raised by Kenyans regarding the closure of stadiums in the country, stating that "temporary inconvenience" will pave the way for a permanent solution."

The outcry ensued after former javelin World Champion, Julius Yego took to his social media platforms, urging the government to reconsider opening both Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums for athletes aiming to achieve Olympic qualifying times.

Both stadiums have been closed for renovations in preparation for the 2027 AFCON, with Nyayo Stadium initially scheduled to close after the Mashemeji Derby on April 21.

Expressing his concern, Yego emphasized the potential impact on athletes, stating, "The timing and eventual closure of the only remaining World Athletics ratified stadium, Nyayo Stadium, for athletic competitions in the country by #SportsKenya is a significant loss to the athletics fraternity, particularly Olympic hopefuls among us athletes."

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In response, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu emphasized the government's substantial investment in building and upgrading sports facilities across the country, heralding a new era for Kenyan sports.

"It is common knowledge that we have closed Nyayo, Kasarani, and Kipchoge Keino Eldoret for major upgrading, while we are heavily investing in the new Talanta Sports City alongside other regional facilities countrywide,” remarked Ababu.

Ababu pointed at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup return leg pitting the Rising Starlets against Ethiopia as an example of a high-stakes match that will be staged at Ulinzi Sports Complex, quashing claims that the closure of Nyayo and Kasarani is unfortunate to sports.

Kenya will take on the Ethiopians on May 19, with the Mildred Cheche-coached side in need of a win to progress to the final qualifying round of the global showpiece set for the Dominion Republic.

“There is nothing “unfortunate” about sports events being hosted at Ulinzi Sports Complex. The high-stakes U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier return match against Ethiopia will be hosted at the same venue,” he added.

Highlighting the long-standing neglect of Kenya's sports facilities, Ababu emphasized the government's commitment to rectifying this issue.

“We are correcting a mess accumulated over many years. For long, Kenya’s sports facilities have been neglected and handled way too casually. Not anymore!” He affirmed.

Furthermore, Ababu pointed to neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Rwanda, which have undergone extensive stadium renovations, reaping the benefits of long-term investments.

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He urged Kenyans to support the implementation of the revolutionary sports and creative infrastructure masterplan, drawing parallels with the progress seen in neighbouring nations.

"Uganda started renovating Nelson Mandela Nambole Stadium in 2020. They have just reopened it this month and are reaping the benefits of a long-term investment of 4 years. Rwanda started rebuilding Amahoro Stadium in 2019. The results are before our eyes after 5 years.

“We urge all Kenyans to support the full implementation of our revolutionary Sports & Creative Infrastructure Masterplan. It is a transformative game-changer. Some temporary inconveniences will give way to a permanent solution. By the time we are done in a couple of years, Kenya will be miles ahead of all of our neighbours."