Kenya has requested the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to reconsider its requirement for construction of 61 skyboxes at the 48,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani, as part of the country’s preparation to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals with Uganda and Tanzania.
Skyboxes are private, elevated suites or luxury areas located near the top of the seating areas in stadiums providing a secluded, panoramic view of the action.
These VIP areas offer high-end amenities like climate control, private catering, and comfortable seating with the aim of providing exclusive experience for corporate guests or high-net-worth individuals.
An aerial view of the newly renovated Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi on June 10, 2025.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
The three East Africa countries will jointly host the 36th edition of Afcon from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
MISC Kasarani, and the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City are the main match venues for the tournament in Kenya, while Nyayo National Stadium is being considered as an alternative venue.
The training grounds are MISC Kasarani Annex “A” and “B”, Police Sacco Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Kenya Academy of Sports “A” and “B”, Kenya Utalii College Sports Ground, and Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu.
Speaking on Friday after inspecting the progress of construction at Talanta Sports City, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said Sports Kenya’s technical assessment of Kasarani Stadium established that construction of the 61 skyboxes at the facility as directed by CAF would significantly disrupt existing critical infrastructure at the venue.
He said such a move would also jeopardise Kenya’s ability to meet the strict timelines set for the completion of its facilities in readiness for the continental showpiece.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya (centre) speaks to the media after inspecting the progress of construction at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi on May 15, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
“There are proposals by CAF for Kenya to construct 61 skyboxes (at MISC Kasarani). However, we have resolved to hold discussions (with CAF), so that we don’t end up in a situation where we have to demolish almost the entire building. We are discussing with CAF to come up with an agreement on the matter,” said Mvurya.
The construction of the 61 sky boxes at MISC Kasarani was among several requirements that CAF outlined in its damning report released in March 2026, which revealed that the three host countries were lagging behind in preparations to host the tournament. Talanta Sports City will have 52 skyboxes.
The renovation of MISC Kasarani to international standards began last month. Installation of a new playing surface at the stadium is ongoing.
A view of a section inside the under construction Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi on May 15, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
According to CAF’s March report on the venues earmarked for the tournament, other key upgrades required at MISC Kasarani include the reconfiguration of spectator circulation segregation, the relocation and restructuring of the Venue Operations Centre (VOC) and the installation of a new lighting system, which is compliant with 3000lux broadcast standards.
The other improvements to be made at the facility are on safety and security systems, including the installation of CCTVs, access control and fire detection and the upgrading of media facilities such as the press conference room and media center.
On the construction of Talanta Sports City, Mvurya said the main stadium was at 91 per cent complete while the three training pitches next to it had reached 87 per cent completion.
The CS said all the CAF recommendations have been incorporated in the construction and that the facility will be ready by the end of July this year. Pitch works at the main stadium are ongoing.
A view of the under construction Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi on May 15, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Grass has been planted on the playing surface and expected to fully mature in three months ahead of testing and stitching processes.
Final touches at the stadium, including installation of the water fountain, landscaping, lighting systems, perimeter fencing, and power connectivity, is also on progress.
“They (contractors building the stadium) have started doing the pitch, they have planted the grass seeds, and we are giving it time. In two to three months, we should have complete pitch. All the other auxiliary work is ongoing,” said Mvurya.
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have until December 2026 to finish match venues for the Afcon. Before then, Kasarani Stadium, Talanta and all the training venues should have reached completion levels of at least 60, 80 and 75 per cent respectively by August.
