FIFA has ruled that Nyayo and Kasarani stadia are of inadequate quality and ought not be used for such global games.
“Reference to the inspection visit conducted by CAF in Moi International Sports Center Kasarani as part of the stadium’s assessment for homologation for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 – African qualifiers, based on the inspection report, we regret to inform you that the stadium did not meet the set minimum CAF stadium requirements and consequently will not be approved for the qualifying matches of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 matchday 5 & 6.
“Unfortunately, following the various temporary approvals given by CAF for the use of Mol International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium in CAF competitions, the stadium still lacks several CAF criteria and requirements in order to properly host international senior competitions. As a result, we have taken the following decision,” FIFA stated.
FIFA also demanded Kenya not to host other Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s senior national teams and CAF men’s interclub contests.
It further directed the stadium authorities to direct a total renovation and restoration work of the stadia, to ensure that the stadium is approved in the future for CAF competitions.
“We recommend that the renovation plan is based on modern architecture, contemporary design, and quality materials with a clear project plan and specific timelines.
With the goal for CAF to follow the advancement of the redesign works, we request that your federation provide an action plan with the deadlines of completion of the works in the stadia,” it added.
The ban comes simply a month after Kenya hosted the World U20 Championships at the Kasarani Stadium. Kenya additionally hosted the IAAF (now World Athletics) World U18 championship in July 2017 at the same stadium.
In September 2021, the stadium was also used to host the second edition of the Kip Keino Classic which pulled in local and worldwide stars.
This comes after the government completed the renovation of Nyayo Stadium, upgrading it to international standards. Whatever that means
