Government says Nyayo Stadium will be complete by May

Nyayo National Stadium is undergoing renovation. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

The sporting fraternity will have to wait for at least six more weeks before Nyayo National Stadium becomes ready, Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia has said.

The 30,000 seater facility, Kenya’s second-largest stadium, has been under renovation for almost two years now.

Renovation works slowed down after the country lost the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) hosting rights to Morocco due to unpreparedness.

The completion of facility will be a reprieve to many sports lovers. It’s expected to host the first football match in May.

It hosted the Jamhuri Day celebrations last December but it was closed again to allow the work to continue.

And even as the facility is opened to Kenyans for the second time for the First Lady’s “Beyond Zero” half marathon today, sports teams will have to wait a little longer.

The contracted companies are still working on the water and drainage systems before the installation of imported seats and leveling of the parking area.

However, the ministry has shelved off plans to have a canopy around the stadium due to lack of enough budget.

But with the VVIP dias complete, the playing surface ready and dressing rooms almost done, Kaberia says they are working around the clock to ensure they deliver a world class stadium to Kenyans.

“We might be behind schedule but we can assure Kenyans of a world class facility. The contractors are getting out of option and they’ve to deliver that stadium to us hopefully by end of April,” said Kaberia.

“Initially, we were to open it for public use in March but then we have had the challenge of mismatch of calendar.

Once we are done with the closure of drainage system and work outside the main stadium, the seats’ contractor will take over. That’s our biggest concern but we are now installing a completely new drainage system.

“We are done with the playing surface and it’s in good shape. Basically, we are not far only a few things need to be polished up.”

Even as Kaberia calls for patience from sports teams, he feels the stripping of Chan hosting rights was a wake up call to the government.

“We don’t want to find ourselves in the situation we were during the CHAN inspection. We are making sure that what’s installed there is the right thing,” he said.

“Let them be patient. This facility is theirs and it’s being done for them. I know it’s been a painful wait, but I’m confident when we deliver it to them, they’ll be happy.

“I’ve seen what’s in the offing and I’m sure everybody will be happy with what they’ll see once the facility is fully completed.”