Kenyan government urged to renovate stadiums.

The Kenyan government has been urged to take advantage of the postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to complete essential renovations at both the Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums. 

Originally scheduled for February, the tournament has now been rescheduled to August after consultations with CAF’s Technical and Infrastructure experts. 

This delay is intended to provide sufficient time for Kenya to meet international standards.

As one of the three co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Kenya is trailing behind its neighbours in terms of infrastructure readiness. 

Although Nyayo Stadium has received provisional approval for use, it is still undergoing dressing room and floodlight installations. 

Kasarani Stadium, on the other hand, remains under renovation and is unlikely to meet its original January 2024 deadline.

Kenn Okaka, the former head of communications for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), has called on the government to act swiftly. 

In an article for Citizen Digital, Okaka highlighted Kenya’s history of inefficiency when working under deadline pressure. 

He referred to the 2018 CHAN debacle, where Kenya lost its hosting rights due to substandard facilities, warning against repeating similar mistakes.

“What is urgent is done hastily, and when the pressure has somewhat subsided, the authorities often return to a state of complacency, claiming, ‘There is no hurry in Africa,’” Okaka observed.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has expressed confidence that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania can host a successful tournament. 

However, Okaka emphasised the need for vigilance to ensure that the Kenyan government remains focused and adequately funds the ongoing renovations.

Okaka pointed out that Kenya’s slow progress in preparing its stadiums requires immediate attention.

“The Kenyan government must be reminded to maintain the steady progress of construction work that has been initiated and not regress into a state of inaction where contractors leave sites due to funding shortages,” he stated.

With Uganda and Tanzania making significant strides in their preparations, Kenya risks regional embarrassment if its stadium projects are not completed in time. 

The government is under pressure to expedite its efforts and deliver the necessary infrastructure by August.

As the deadline approaches, stakeholders hope that the postponement will serve as a wake-up call for Kenya to prioritise and accelerate its stadium renovations, ensuring the country is fully prepared to host a successful CHAN tournament.

For more news updates, tune in to NRG Radio or download the NRG Play App on your phone