The renovation works at Moi International Sports Center Kasarani are in high gear ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.The continental tourney, that is meant for players plying their trade in their country’s national league, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from Saturday 2 August to Saturday 20 August as per the latest communication from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).The tournament, which was initially set for February 2025, was pushed to August so as to among others allow the host countries to have their facilities ready for the tournament and for CAF to find two additional teams to complete the 19 teams required.Kenyan midfielder moves to Czech Republic in a multi-million dealWith Kasarani Stadium one of the stadia undergoing renovations, the current state of the stadium includes the roofing works, changing rooms, doping rooms, kitchen, and first aid rooms among other areas.In a video posted by Travel & Tell on YouTube some of the areas have already been completed and just await post-construction cleaning while others are ongoing albeit at a slow pace as compared to December and the early days of January.Changing rooms##NAJAVA_MECA_8666914##The ultra-modern, state-of-the-art changing rooms at Kasarani have all been completed and just await post-construction cleaning.There are more than five changing rooms across the stadium to be used by teams with the main ones looking spacious.The changing rooms have been fitted with gym mats on the floor, and modern locker rooms for each player with each having a charging port.Harambee Stars prospect sets lofty targets after joining Hull City from AS MonacoThe dressing rooms also have several washrooms that are Western-styled akin to those in the VIP section as well as bathrooms for use by the teams. There is also a Persons With Disability washroom fitted with a holding bar just in case it is needed.Additionally, there is also a massage table in the changing room as well as an office chair and desk.Anti-Doping rooms##NAJAVA_MECA_8666928##The doping room is located close to the team’s changing rooms as required by FIFA and has been built to ensure absolute privacy during sample collection and administration.There is a spacious waiting area with office chairs leading to the sample room that has been fitted with modern shelves.The doping rooms also have private access to a washroom and shower facilities that will be used during the process.Dates for CHAN tournament to be co-hosted in Kenya revealed by CAFOne of the major aspects remaining is a refrigerator to be used for the temporary storage of samples.RoofingThe roofing work which was accelerated prior to the announcement of the tournament’s postponement has drastically reduced pace with little work seemingly ongoing.The canopy has only been installed in the area covering the VIP section but works are ongoing to make sure the whole stadium is under a roof.##NAJAVA_MECA_8666894##According to former Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, the idea was to have the canopy installed in the VIP area for CHAN with the rest of the installation across the stadium taking place after the tournament.With CHAN postponed, it is expected that the roofing will be complete before the tournament.According to Travel &Tell, the canopy material is currently being shipped and will be installed in due course.Julius Masaba on difference of playing for Kariobangi Sharks and AFC LeopardsHowever, the roofing structure is already complete and floodlights are already installed on them.KitchenJust beside the VIP area, a modern kitchen is taking shape with the construction and installation of facilities therein looking almost complete. The shelves have already been fitted with a space left for a gas cooker.Peculiarly, the kitchen has been situated strategically to have a view of the playing area for those inside it to be able to watch the match.##NAJAVA_MECA_8666884##Media Center According to the video, a media center is being put up at the upper section just above the VIP area. The center is not yet complete but it is taking shape and is expected to be ready soon.First Aid RoomThere are also fans’ first aid rooms spread evenly around the stadium for use by spectators in case of injuries or emergencies as prescribed by CAF.SeatsHeartwarming reason why Shabana coach dedicated Sofapaka victory to James MazembeThe installation of seats is almost complete across the stadium with only a few sections remaining as the works have reduced due to the tournament’s postponement.All the seats across the stadium have backrests with some in the VIP area being foldable.Fans’ lavatoryThe renovation works at the fans’ washrooms have already been completed with the washrooms cleaned and locked awaiting the relaunch of the stadium.##NAJAVA_MECA_8666904##Unlike the VIP toilets which are Western-styled, this section has Arabic toilets (without seats) with the exception of the PWD toilets which is Western-styled and have holding bars to make them user-friendly.In conclusion, while major parts of the stadium are complete or at advanced stages with attention to detail observed, the pace of the work has greatly reduced and has caused worries among football lovers across the country.
