Nyayo National Stadium is set for a major facelift, with the government planning to install a canopy as part of a broader initiative to upgrade Kenya's sporting facilities, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced.
Kindiki made the announcement on Tuesday, July 7 while inspecting the almost complete 60,000-seat Talanta Sports City on Ngong Road, saying the improvements at Nyayo Stadium are part of a nationwide drive to modernise existing venues while expanding the country's sports infrastructure through the construction of new stadiums.
He revealed that after completing the rehabilitation of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the government is now turning its attention to Nyayo Stadium, which is expected to receive a canopy as part of the ongoing upgrades.
"We have rectified Kasarani Stadium, and similarly, Nyayo Stadium will have a canopy," Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also highlighted the significance of Talanta Sports City, describing it as Kenya's first newly built international-standard stadium in nearly four decades. He noted that the country's last international stadium project was the construction of Kasarani Stadium, completed in 1987.
According to Kindiki, the completion of Talanta Sports City marks the end of a 39-year period during which Kenya did not build another international-standard sports facility despite growing demand for modern venues.
"The last time Kenya built an international stadium was 39 years ago. For all that time, there was no investment in building more international sports facilities," he said.
Once complete, Talanta Sports City is expected to play a central role in hosting major international competitions and strengthen Kenya's capacity to stage global sporting events alongside the refurbished Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums.
Nyayo National Stadium remains one of the country's most iconic sporting venues. With a seating capacity of approximately 30,000, the Nairobi-based facility has hosted some of Kenya's biggest sporting and national events over the years.
The multi-purpose stadium has been the venue for high-profile football matches, athletics championships, rugby fixtures, national celebrations, concerts and various international competitions.
It has also served as the home ground for Harambee Stars and continues to host local league matches as well as continental club competitions, making it one of the country's busiest sports venues.
Beyond the planned upgrades at Nyayo Stadium and the construction of Talanta Sports City, Kindiki said the government is implementing an ambitious programme to expand sports infrastructure across the country.
He disclosed that 31 additional stadiums are currently under construction, with each facility designed to accommodate about 10,000 spectators.
According to the Deputy President, the projects have been spread across different counties to ensure sports facilities are accessible nationwide. He said the stadiums are being developed in regions stretching from Mombasa to Busia and from Wajir to Lodwar.
The government believes the expanded network of stadiums will help identify and nurture sporting talent while creating more opportunities for young athletes to train and compete closer to home.
Kindiki said the investment reflects the administration's commitment to strengthening sports development and positioning Kenya as a leading destination for regional and international sporting events.
"This is the most extensive sports development programme ever initiated in our country," Kindiki said.
