The Ministry of Sports has renewed efforts to have Nyayo Stadium host international matches, particularly Harambee Stars’ World Cup qualifier matches. According to Principal Secretary Peter Tum, the Ministry has invited the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a fresh inspection of the facility. This decision follows a previous assessment which deemed the stadium unfit to host qualifier matches.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Sports, Tum stated that the Ministry is committed to addressing any shortcomings identified during the inspection process. By inviting the CAF inspectorate team to reassess Nyayo Stadium, the Ministry aims to demonstrate its dedication to upgrading the facility to meet international standards for hosting football matches.
“CAF inspection team has confirmed that they will be in the country in one or two weeks time to inspect Nyayo stadium again,” said Tum.
He explained that the team had been invited by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to conduct the exercise after the ministry met some of the demands laid down by CAF.
“The fact that CAF team has agreed to come again for an inspection exercise after a request by CS gives the country and football fans hopes of watching Harambee Stars start their World Cup qualifier campaign on the home soil,” he said.
During his appearance before the Dan Wanyama-led Committee, the Principal Secretary assured football fans that Nyayo Stadium would receive a clean bill of health to host the qualifier matches. He emphasized the determination of the Cabinet Secretary to ensure that all requirements set by FIFA are met.
This commitment underscores the Ministry’s dedication to ensuring that Nyayo Stadium meets the necessary standards for hosting international football matches, providing reassurance to football enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the return of matches to the stadium.
“The implications of not hosting qualifier matches at home are bad to the country and the national team,” he said.
And added: “It is because of this reason that the CS has put all mechanisms in place to ensure that the country complies with all the requirements.”
He noted that a lot of renovations have been undertaken following the closure of the stadium.
“The only area that we are working on now is the lighting project which will soon be complete,” Tum said.
He confirmed that Bukhungu stadium has been ruled out as a host for CHAN championship.
“Our fall back plan for CHAN is Nyayo stadium after Bukhungu was ruled out by CAF,” said Tum.
The Principal Secretary also provided an update on the renovations of Kasarani Stadium, which is slated to host the AFCON in 2027. He stated that the renovations are currently 30 percent complete, indicating progress toward preparing the stadium for the upcoming tournament.
In response to concerns raised by the Committee, particularly regarding the possibility of World Cup qualifier matches being held in Lilongwe, Malawi, Wanyama emphasized the Committee’s interest in ensuring that such matches are hosted domestically.
