By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen, has assured the National Assembly that the Ministry is on track to complete the stadia that will host the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2025 and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
The CS made these remarks when he appeared before the House to respond to Members’ Questions in Plenary on Wednesday 25th September 2024.
Legislators have inquired about the nation’s readiness regarding infrastructure and logistical capabilities to effectively host international sporting events, particularly the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Hon. Murkomen briefed members that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) President visited the Country on 15th September 2024, to assess Kenya’s preparedness to host the events.
He informed the House that the CAF President had expressed satisfaction with the progress Kenya has made so far.
In regards to the status of the AFCON Stadia projects, Members were notified that the Talanta Sports City Complex that is being constructed along Ngong Road in Jamuhuri, is at 23 per cent, with an expected completion timeline of December 2025.
“This stadium shall have a 60,000 seater capacity and will be accompanied by three training grounds; two running tracks and one football pitch which shall be shared with the Rugby fraternity. We are delivering this together with the Ministry of Defence, who are the contracted agents of the Ministry of Sports”, Hon. Murkomen said.
“For the purpose of the AFCON, the Nyayo National Stadium Grounds shall be categorized as the training grounds with the Talanta stadium being the main stadium”, he added.
The Cabinet Secretary provided an update to the House regarding the Moi International Sports Center (MISC) Kasarani, which is scheduled to host the CHAN event in February 2025.
He reported that the renovation progress of the stadium, which is expected to accommodate 55,000 spectators, is currently at 47 percent.
The Cabinet Secretary also addressed the issue of the training facilities for CHAN, indicating that the contractor is currently engaged in the development of the MISC Kasarani Annex, as well as two pitches at the Kenya Academy of Sports and Kirigiti Stadium.
The Ministry expects the renovation to be completed by December of this year.