Kenya will spend Sh47billion to build and upgrade playing venues ahead of the Africa Nations Championship and Africa (CHAN) Cup of Nations finals we can reveal.
While CHAN has been moved to August this year, the Africa Cup of Nations finals will be held in 2027.
According to budget estimates by Sports Kenya, renovation of Kasarani is supposed to cost Sh.2.4billion while upgrading of Nyayo is costing Sh.1.2billion.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret will cost Sh2.2billion to upgrade.
The upgrade of the stadium was launched two weeks ago by President William Ruto.
Another Sh1billion will be used to upgrade four training grounds all based in Nairobi and include Ulinzi Sports Complex, Kenya Police grounds and new training grounds being constructed at Kasarani annexe.
The biggest cost is being spent in constructing the new Talanta Stadium which will cost Sh.40billion once finished.
A person familiar with the matter said the final cost of construction and refurbishment may reach beyond Sh.50billion as other works have been included after the publishing of the budget estimates.
“The Sh47billion is just the initial costing but since then some other things that were not there have been added to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards and so Kenya may up spending more than Sh.50billion once all works are is said our source.
Officials pointed out that all training grounds have to be made exactly like the stadium to give teams the exact same match conditions they will experience while playing.
The Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) is funding most of the refurbishment but it is not known where the Sh.40billion to construct Talanta Stadium is coming from.
The millitary is supervising the construction of Talanta Stadium which js being undertaken by China Road and Bridge Construction Company.
It is the same company that constructed the Nairobi Express way three years ago.
Talanta Stadium and Kasarani will host group matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals. Nyayo Stadium will be converted to be a training ground for teams.
Both tournaments are being played in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania making the first time it has been hosted by three countries.
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