The upgrading and renovations of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, are now complete, and the stadium is ready for use in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsIn photos and updates from an inspection and handover ceremony by the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, the contractor handed over the facility in line with the Monday, 30 June deadline.The CS, in turn, handed over the facility to the Local Organising Committee (LOC), who will present it to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) during the final inspection.How building a home for parents fuels AFC Leopards defender’s disciplineSpeaking at the facility on Monday, 30 June, during the handover, the CS said it cements Kenya as a sporting destination.“This momentous occasion is not only a proud achievement for Kenya but also for the entire East African region. It reaffirms our standing as a premier destination for international competitions and sets the stage for hosting future continental tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” said Mvurya.##NAJAVA_MECA_8996625##Kasarani Stadium was closed for upgrading and renovations in August 2023 in order to meet CAF requirements after Kenya, alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda, won the 2024 CHAN hosting rights.About 22 months later, and with billions sunk into it, the facility is now complete and meets nearly all the requirements of the continental football governing body.According to the photos shared by the CS, the playing surface, which is the most important area in the stadium, is now fully matured with the drainage system inspected and the water sprinklers tested before the handover.Duke Abuya banks a million after winning bet against Yanga colleagueWith the initial tartan track destroyed during construction and a new one yet to be installed, an artificial turf has been installed to cover the running track for purposes of CHAN with a new tartan expected after the tournament.On the stands, the seats have been installed all round the pitch as was reported initially by Mozzart Sport, with sitting areas ranging from regular, VIP, VVIP and the Presidential box.Regular seats have a back rest but are not foldable, VIP seats are foldable, VVIP have cushioned auditorium, foldable seats but with cup holders and enough space in between to allow for undisturbed movement.##NAJAVA_MECA_8997002##The Presidential box will only host top invited guests, Presidents, top CAF officials and will not be available for ticketing.The CS also shared photos of the modern changing rooms that Kasarani boasts of, which meet all CAF requirements.All five player changing rooms have more than 25 seats and lockers, a tactical board, more than five showers and washrooms, as well as charging points among others.Omala’s younger brother opens up on their conversation before Mozzart Bet Cup finalHowever, the large stadium LED screen is not yet complete as some panels are yet to be fitted, even though it has already been connected and is working, as was tested during the visit.The stadium entrance turnstiles, whose installation was incomplete but ongoing during our last update of the facility, are also complete according to the shared photos.Apart from the main Kasarani Stadium, the CS also inspected and handed over Kasarani Annex and Kasarani Annex B, which will be used as training facilities.##NAJAVA_MECA_8997001##The two training grounds already satisfied CAF inspectors, save for the changing rooms, which was incomplete, but with the construction now complete, they are most likely to receive approval.The playing surfaces of the two training facilities have been in good condition and have been used in recent times for training by the national teams, and hosted the FKF Premier League match between Mathare United and Bandari.According to the latest updates by Cabinet Secretary for Defense, Soipan Tuya, the works at Kasarani have cost Ksh6.7 billion; Ksh3.1 billion in the first phase and Ksh3.6 billion for the second phase.Gor Mahia intensify pursuit for Harambee Stars goalkeeperKasarani Stadium is earmarked to host the final and closing ceremony of CHAN, the first quarter final, and all Group A matches involving Kenya.The facility will act as Harambee Stars’ training base for the tournament, which will take place from Saturday, 2 to Saturday, 30 August.Kenya will begin the tournament on Sunday, 3 August with a match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from 1500 hrs.
