The upgrading of Kasarani Stadium has resumed at a much faster pace compared to the weeks after the postponement of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).In the latest videos of the works at the 60,000 seater stadium, the major visible improvements are the installation of an all round canopy and VIP and VVIP seats.Kasarani and Nyayo Stadia were closed for upgrading in readiness for the 2024 CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).Gor Mahia head coach explains why he prefers playing with 5 defendersAlso under renovation was the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Stadium and Kasarani Annex, which will be used as training grounds, as well as the construction of a brand new ultra-modern Talanta Sports City, which will host the AFCON.A video posted by on YouTube on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, shows the progress the stadium is making in order to be fully complete before CHAN beginsCanopy InstallationFKF appoint new Football Development DirectorThe installation of the canopy across the whole stadium is currently ongoing with some parts of the roof already done.Prior to the postponement of CHAN, the government had planned to install the canopy on the VIP section of the stadium with the rest of the facility expected to be covered after CHAN but before AFCON.With the postponement of the tournament, the government, through Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced that the whole canopy will now be installed before CHAN.##NAJAVA_MECA_8773328##The canopy materials which were expected in the country have arrived and the installation has started with sections opposite the VIP section.The new canopy looks slightly darker than the previous one and experts say it is normal as the canopy tends to turn lighter with time due to oxidation.With the canopy, one of the main areas of concern for both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Kenyan public, its renewed installation quells the jitters among Kenyans who have been taking to social media to hold the government accountable for the speed of renovations.England-based star snubs Harambee Stars for The Three LionsVIP & VVIP upgrade and seat InstallationThe works at the VIP and VVIP section have also resumed in top gear with major renovations and upgrades at the latter stages of completion.The area is seemingly divided into four parts which have different installations and fittings to satisfy the target audience. Unlike the rest of the stadium which has grey seats, the VIP seats are red in color.In the first section of the VIP, which borders the general sections, the seats are foldable to meet CAF standards, unlike the rest, which do not necessarily have to be foldable.##NAJAVA_MECA_8773324##In the second part, the seats are more comfortable as they are not only foldable but are also cushioned and have armrests. The area is equally spacious to provide guests with an ambiance that is required of those seated there and the price of tickets that they will purchase.The third section is the VVIP, which is accessed through the skybox and is situated just about in the middle of the stadium. Here the seats that have been installed are just like the VIP but have cup holders added to them.The kitchenette is just behind the VVIP to serve guests with various drinks, which they can take with them to the sitting area and find a comfortable cup holder at their service.CAF President sends urgent message to Benni McCarthy after Harambee Stars appointment [VIDEO]The sky box is also complete and just awaiting the placement and installation of kitchen appliances.The fourth section is the Presidential area, which is more secure and under bulletproof glass. The seats here are yet to be installed but are expected before CHAN. The area is expected to serve the President and top CAF officials and guests of that standard.Playing field##NAJAVA_MECA_8773353##The playing field is maturing and getting better. The grass is now compact and intact in most areas save for the edges, which are also taking shape.The drainage system is done, and the modern goalposts have already been installed, with only pitch marking remaining.General Renovation worksSalaries and Remuneration Commission deny responsibility of paying Benni McCarthy’s salaryThe general renovation works around the stadium have also improved as compared to the last video in our possession.Tiling of the paths leading to and around the changing rooms is almost complete, the debris inside the stadium has largely been cleared, and painting of some complete areas is also ongoing.In conclusion, the renovations have now resumed in earnest, and the stadium, which was closed in August 2023, is expected to be fully complete before CHAN, which will be held from Saturday, 2 August to Saturday, 30 August 2025.
