The Government of Kenya has facilitated the reopening of Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu which is earmarked for use as a training ground for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).Kirigiti Stadium alongside Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Stadium and Kasarani Annex are scheduled to serve as training grounds not only for CHAN but also the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).Speaking to the media and through an official statement, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and Creative Economy Salim Mvurya announced that the deadlock surrounding the stadium has been broken.Brenda Achieng stars as Junior Starlets sail throughThe stadium had been closed for over two years by the contractor with no significant works ongoing due to debts owed to them but that has now been settled, opening ways for resumption of works.“The Government has settled outstanding payments and unlocked access to Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County. Sports Kenya will now take over the facility and work closely with the contractor to complete the remaining finishing works,” reads part of Mvurya’s statement.Mvurya announced that emphasis will be given to the playing surface in the next phase of renovations while also highlighting the importance of the facility.##NAJAVA_MECA_8780761##“Our focus is to restore the canopy grass to Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, ensuring the stadium is ready to serve as a training ground for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. Beyond sports, the strategically located facility is poised to become a key economic driver for Kiambu County and the broader region,” the statement continued.In photos shared during Mvurya’s tour of the stadia where he was accompanied by among others Kiambu County Governor Dr. Kimani Wamatangi, Sports Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum and Sports Kenya CEO Gabriel Komora, the stadium is seen to be in bad shape.The playing surface for instance is in a dilapidated shape with overgrown grass and weeds all over the pitch symbolizing a neglected place.Why former Gor Mahia defender opted for fourth loan in Sweden in three yearsHowever, the changing rooms look up to the required standards, justifying the plans to largely focus the renovation works to the playing surface as explained by Mvurya.“Most of the key sections have been done very well, like the changing rooms, VVIP and VIP sections, canopies, and terraces thus the need to concentrate on the playing surface,” he stated.Additionally, the CS said that both his Ministry and the County Government of Kiambu will have access to the stadium in this phase as joint supervisors.”We have agreed that both Sports Kenya and the county government will gain access to the stadium and therefore need to ensure it meets FIFA and CAF standards,” he concluded.Today, I hosted CS for Sports Hon. Salim Mvurya and his team at Kirigiti Stadium to assess the progress of the long-delayed project.The CS informed me that the government has resolved the challenges that caused the delay, with completion now expected in 45 days.The remaining… pic.twitter.com/3uFblWNewY— Governor Kimani Wamatangi, EGH 🇰🇪 (@KWamatangi) March 13, 2025 On his part, Kiambu Governor Wamatangi emphasized on the importance of the facility to the people of Kiambu and expressed his concern for the delay in completion and opening since works began in 2022.Wamatangi highlighted the benefit of the stadium beyond the sporting activities that will ne taking place there.“This is an asset that the people of Kiambu will greatly benefit from. It is a huge injection in the economic well-being of residents, as traders will make a killing every time there are activities in the stadium,” he said.So far, the Stadium has cost the Kenyan taxpayer Ksh650 million and while the government is yet to disclose how much the next phase will cost, the cost is expected to surpass Ksh1 billion mark.As a training ground, the requirements by CAF are lower as compared to the facilities where matches will be held but again are specific enough.Chelimo, Deriba break Barcelona course records as Kirwa settles for silver in SeoulAccording to Article 44 of the CAF Stadium regulations of 2022 a training facility must include but not limited to;Floodlights with a minimum capacity of 500 LUX.At least one dressing room equipped with 23 seats and lockers.A bench area equipped with 20 seats for reserve players and team officials.Two movable goal posts.A minimum of three showers, three toilets, three sinks and three urinals.Secured fencing around the training siteSecured entrance (s) and exit (s).However, the field of play regulations are largely the same as with the match day pitch which require among others the field be smooth and level, equipped with either natural, hybrid or artificial grass and contain only the lines and markings of football and grass height must be 20-30 mm.The field must also be equipped with a drainage system and a water sprinkler system for it to qualify for approval.Kirigiti Stadium must therefore meet these requirements before the commencement of CHAN on Saturday 2 August 2025.
