Kasarani Stadium is among Kenya’s designated match venues for AFCON 2027.
Senators flag construction progress, disability access and fire safety as the project team promises to meet the December 31 handover deadline.
Senators have questioned Kasarani Stadium readiness for AFCON 2027, raising concerns over construction progress, disability access and emergency preparedness.
The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare inspected Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, ahead of the December 31 handover deadline. West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor chaired the committee during its assessment of the upgrade works.
However, the project team, led by Major Daniel Makana, maintained that the stadium would be ready within the stipulated timelines. The team also briefed senators on the ongoing works.
Kasarani Stadium readiness faces accessibility and safety questions
During the inspection, nominated Senator Crystal Asige called for sustainable measures to support access for persons with disabilities. She urged improvements that would allow them to comfortably enter and use the facility.
Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku also questioned the stadium’s firefighting preparedness. Nairobi City County officials had revealed that fire hydrants lacked water during a previous inspection.
Alongside these safety concerns, committee members questioned the pace of construction as the handover deadline approaches. Their inspection focused on both the upgrade programme and the facility’s preparedness to accommodate spectators.
Meanwhile, Kenya continues preparations to co-host the continental tournament with Uganda and Tanzania. The 48,000-capacity Kasarani stadium is among Kenya’s designated match venues, alongside the 60,000-seat Raila Odinga International Stadium, also known as Talanta Sports City.
CAF standards remain central to venue approval
The Confederation of African Football has been assessing Kenya’s preparations, including work at Kasarani. Its approval depends on venues meeting Category 4 requirements for infrastructure, spectator safety, accessibility, media facilities and match-day operations.
Those specifications include a modern natural-grass pitch, drainage and irrigation systems, adequate floodlighting and dressing rooms. They also cover VIP facilities, media centres, press conference rooms and arrangements for spectator movement.
However, CAF’s initial assessment in February 2026 found that none of the proposed venues across the three host countries met every standard. A subsequent inspection was scheduled to assess progress.
In September 2026, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said a recent CAF inspection had produced encouraging results. Those findings, however, did not amount to final stadium certification.
