The government has shut down Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani for final renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
At the same time, Nyayo National Stadium will also be closed down for final touches soon after conclusion of the World Rugby Sevens Division II tournament.
Whereas Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani will be closed immediately, Nyayo National Stadium will host World Rugby Sevens Division II tournament on Saturday and Sunday.
“Nyayo National Stadium will be closed down immediately after the World Rugby Sevens Division II tournament so that we can have a canopy erected at the arena. We need to have an elaborate media centre, and other key facilities that might be missing at the Nyayo National Stadium,” Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi said on Wednesday.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Elijah Mwangi (right) with 2027 Afcon Local Organising Committee chair Nicholas Musonye (centre) and Director General Sports Kenya Timothy Kilimo at Nyayo National Stadium on February 11, 2026.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group
Mr Mwangi was speaking at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi where he announced a Sh100m government sponsorship for the Nairobi Sevens rugby tournament.
The PS disclosed that the government had already closed down the Kasarani facility, but allowed its use for the CAF Confederation Cup match between local club Nairobi United and visiting Wydad Casablanca from Morocco on Sunday.
The two venues are among the sporting facilities that Kenya has earmarked for hosting the 2027 Afcon.
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
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will co-host the 2027 Afcon and are racing against time to have all facilities ready for the football bonanza.
According to “East Africa Pamoja Bid” that won the region hosting rights for 2027 Afcon, Kenya has listed MISC Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium, and Kip Keino Stadium as match venues.
Kenya is currently constructing 60,000-capacity Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi, which the country will present as its flagship venue for the 2027 Afcon.
An aerial view of the under-construction 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium in Nairobi on January 23, 2026.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
Mwangi indicated that renovation work will continue at Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County, Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Uasin Gishu County, Mombasa County Stadium, Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County, and at Kinoru Stadium in Meru County.
Mwangi, who was accompanied by head of Kenya’s Local Organising Committee for 2027 Afcon, Nicholas Musonye and Sports Kenya Director General, Timothy Kilimo, said the playing surface at MISC Kasarani will be replaced with bermuda grass reinforced by a new artificial grass technology.
Musonye, in an earlier interview with Nation Sports, indicated that his team plans to have all venues complete to CAF certification by November this year.
