Nyayo Stadium was closed in August 2024 for major upgrades ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and preparation for AFCON 2027.
On July 16, 2025, the Kenya Ministry of Defense officially handed over Nyayo Stadium to the Sports Ministry and CHAN local organizing committee, confirming renovation completion.
The renovation of Nyayo Stadium introduced major upgrades across infrastructure, technology, and matchday facilities to meet CAF standards. The stadium now features four new floodlight masts providing 3,000 lux illumination, meeting CAF's requirement for nighttime matches. The pitch was fully upgraded with leveling, perimeter drainage, and a vibrant green turf. Media and VIP facilities were significantly improved, with new VIP seating fitted with glass rails, refurbished entrance walls, and a dedicated media tribune accommodating around 150 journalists, along with cameraman platforms positioned above VIP areas.
The changing rooms were modernized with air conditioning, individual safes, refrigerated cold bath areas, massage rooms, and enhanced referee facilities. Security and technology saw major enhancements, including an increase in CCTV cameras from 70 to 150 for full coverage, and the establishment of a new control room/venue operations center to manage lighting and announcements. Additional upgrades included a retractable tunnel canopy, movable fiber goalposts, electronic advertising boards, and dedicated CAF offices.
Following a CAF inspection in January 2025, Nyayo was cleared to host CHAN 2025 matches, and by March, it was approved for a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The stadium officially reopened on March 16, 2025, with a 3‑0 win by Kenya U-17 Women’s team against Uganda in a World Cup qualifier, followed by a sold-out Kenya vs Gabon World Cup qualifier on March 23. Final touches—such as completing the perimeter wall and CCTV setup—continued into June, with Sports CS Salim Mvurya confirming a handover deadline of June 25. These comprehensive upgrades have prepared Nyayo as one of the key venues for CHAN 2025, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2 to 30.
Following a CAF inspection in January 2025, Nyayo was cleared to host CHAN 2025 matches, and by March, it was approved for a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The stadium officially reopened on March 16, 2025, with a 3‑0 win by Kenya U-17 Women’s team against Uganda in a World Cup qualifier, followed by a sold-out Kenya vs Gabon World Cup qualifier on March 23. Final touches—such as completing the perimeter wall and CCTV setup—continued into June, with Sports CS Salim Mvurya confirming a handover deadline of June 25. These comprehensive upgrades have prepared Nyayo as one of the key venues for CHAN 2025, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2 to 30.
In conclusion, the extensive renovation of Nyayo Stadium has transformed it into a modern, CAF-compliant facility ready to host top-tier international fixtures. With upgraded lighting, playing surfaces, VIP and media areas, enhanced security systems, and cutting-edge matchday infrastructure, Nyayo now stands as a symbol of Kenya’s commitment to elevating its sporting standards. The successful reopening events and CAF approvals underscore its readiness to play a central role in regional tournaments, particularly CHAN 2025, reaffirming its status as one of East Africa’s premier sporting venues.