If you have been following the latest news events in the past year or so, then you should be aware that Kenya is among the three East African nations (alongside Tanzania and Uganda) that will host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in June and July 2027. For these reasons, the Country, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, has launched an ambitious plan to upgrade all its stadiums to be ready for the AFCON games in 2027. President William Ruto recently announced plans to construct 25 new stadiums across the country as part of these preparations, marking the most significant sports infrastructure investment in Kenya’s history.
Therefore, in this article, we decided to include a comprehensive list of the best stadiums in Kenya right now just to help you keep updated with the latest information. These stadiums offer unique features, from state-of-the-art broadcasting infrastructure to eco-friendly designs, setting a new benchmark for African sports facilities. Many are currently undergoing extensive renovations to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, with construction projects being overseen by international partners, including the China Road and Bridge Corporation. Now, without explaining much, let us dive in and see some of the best stadiums in the Country right now.
Top Football Stadiums In Kenya
As we approach 2027, the year will be the first for Kenya to host such games after losing hosting rights for the 1996 AFCON to South Africa. However, come 2027, it is a sure bet, and the plans underway are massive, as evident from the stadiums discussed in this section. The African football body CAF has already conducted venue inspections, with President Dr. Motsepe personally visiting key facilities to assess their progress and compliance with international standards.
Talanta Sports City
First on our List is the Talanta Sports City stadium, which has been under construction since March 1, 2024, and is expected to be completed by late 2025. It is designed to feature state-of-the-art technology for broadcasting and gameplay, including VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and goal-line technology, hybrid grass pitch, LED floodlighting, and high-definition media facilities. The stadium is designed to accommodate 60,000 spectators, making it the largest stadium in Kenya upon completion, and its primary focus is football and rugby matches only, with no athletics track. The stadium is located in the Jamhuri Grounds area along Ngong Road and is being constructed under a public-private partnership with the China Road and Bridge Corporation, with oversight from the Kenya Defence Forces Engineering Department.
Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani)
The Moi International Sports Centre, commonly referred to as Kasarani Stadium, is perhaps one of the most established stadiums in Kenya. It was built in 1987 and currently has a capacity of 48,063 following recent renovations. It includes the stadium, indoor arena, aquatic complex, and hotel features. In 2024, the stadium underwent major renovations, which saw it fitted with a larger roof, upgrading floodlights to 3,000 Lux, and adding Video Assistant Referee (VAR) cameras, all in preparations for the upcoming 2027 AFCON. The comprehensive upgrades focus not only on expanding capacity but also modernizing player facilities, spectator amenities, and media infrastructure to meet continental standards.
Nyayo National Stadium
The Nyayo National Stadium, one of Kenya’s oldest football stadiums, is set to play a significant role in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Opening its doors in 1983, it is a FIFA-approved stadium with a current seating capacity of approximately 18,000 following recent renovations for AFCON 2027. Its unique features include a 50-meter swimming pool, an indoor gymnasium with a capacity of 2,500, and handball and volleyball training courts. Nyayo Stadium is the home ground for the AFC Leopards football club and houses the Football Kenya Federation headquarters. Recent upgrades have focused on improving seating comfort, lighting systems, turf quality, air-conditioned changing rooms with refrigeration for cold baths, enhanced drainage systems, and additional washroom facilities.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium
The Kipchoge Keino Stadium, a key international standard stadium in Kenya located in Eldoret, is named after the retired Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino. Currently, it has a capacity of 15,000, but with ongoing renovations for the upcoming AFCON games, it is set to expand to a capacity of 25,000. The stadium has a rich history of hosting significant events, such as the 2016 Athletics Kenya Olympic Trials, which underscores its experience in hosting major sports events. The facility serves as a crucial venue for athletics development in the Rift Valley region.
William Ole Ntimama Stadium
William Ole Ntimama Stadium, a key stadium in Kenya, is located in Narok County. It was named in honor of the late politician William Ole Ntimama in 2021. With a seating capacity of 20,000, it is one of the largest stadiums outside Nairobi County. While it may not host AFCON games, it plays a crucial role in promoting local sports, serving as a venue for Kenya Premier League matches and community sporting events. The stadium represents significant infrastructure development in Kenya’s rural regions.
Bukhungu Stadium
Bukhungu Stadium, a key landmark in Kenya located in Kakamega County, is currently undergoing serious renovations in preparation for the highly anticipated African Cup of Nations. It holds historical significance as one of Kenya’s oldest sporting venues, with its origins dating back to 1936, after the playoffs between North Nyanza and the English team Remington FC. With the ongoing FIFA and CAF-compliant renovations, the stadium is expected to accommodate a seating capacity of approximately 25,000, setting the stage for an exciting event in 2027. The facility has been designated as one of the official AFCON 2027 host venues, with periodic reviews being conducted to ensure completion by June 2027 as directed by President William Ruto.
Kenyatta Stadium (Machakos)
Kenyatta Stadium is located in Machakos County and is named after Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta. It was officially opened in 2013 and has a total seating capacity of approximately 10,000. The stadium serves as an official home venue for various football clubs and has hosted notable events, including matches during the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in 2013. The facility represents the government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure beyond the capital city.
Afraha Stadium (Nakuru)
Afraha Stadium is located in Nakuru County near Lake Nakuru. Founded in 1948, it holds the distinction of being the second oldest stadium in Kenya after Bukhungu Stadium. It currently serves as home to both Nakuru AllStars and Ulinzi Stars of the Kenyan Premier League. Renovations are currently underway, with support from the World Bank since 2021. The stadium is expected to accommodate 7,000 spectators upon completion of renovations. Afraha Stadium uniquely holds the distinction of being the only stadium in Kenya that has regularly hosted political meetings, particularly during the KANU era under former President Daniel arap Moi.
Ulinzi Sports Complex
As the name suggests, “Ulinzi” (meaning defense in Swahili), the Ulinzi Sports Complex is affiliated with the Kenya Defence Forces and serves as home to the Ulinzi Stars football club. Located in the Langata area of Nairobi, the Ulinzi Sports Complex is more than just a sports facility. It features a 7,500-capacity football stadium with an eight-lane athletics track, two training grounds, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, an indoor arena, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and hockey and rugby grounds. The multi-purpose nature of this facility makes it a comprehensive sports development center.
Dandora Stadium
The Dandora Stadium is located in Nairobi County in the Dandora area. It was officially opened in March 2024 after construction began in 2018, representing a significant investment in community sports infrastructure. The facility features a seating capacity of 4,000 with an artificial turf football pitch, modern floodlights, and contemporary utility rooms. This stadium serves as an important example of sports development reaching into Kenya’s urban informal settlements.
Stadiums In Kenya: Your Questions And Answers
Which stadiums will host AFCON 2027 matches in Kenya?
Come 2027, Kenya has been selected to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The confirmed Kenyan venues designated for AFCON 2027 matches include Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium, Talanta Sports City, Kipchoge Keino Stadium, and Bukhungu Stadium.
What is the largest stadium in Kenya?
Upon completion of current construction, Talanta Sports City will become the largest stadium in Kenya with a capacity of 60,000 spectators. Currently, the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani holds this distinction with a capacity of 48,063 following recent renovations.
