Mashemeji Derby in jeopardy as government announces stadium closure dates

Local clubs will have to find alternatives for their league matches as Sports Kenya announced it is closing stadia for renovations ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Sports Kenya Director General Gabriel Komora confirmed that the closure will be done from next month.

“We are commencing renovations at both Nyayo and Kasarani to make them ready for the Africa Cup of Nations, and therefore, they will not be available for use as from February,” he said.

Komora further added that they are also discussing with the contractor and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) on how best to minimise the disruption that is sure to affect local league matches, and other sporting activities at the two venues.

“We want to see how best to minimise the disruption so that the clubs are not affected in a big way,” he said.

Why Ambani is still not at ease despite AFC Leopards' hot form

Record league champions Gor Mahia are using Kasarani as their home ground for local matches, while rivals AFC Leopards use Nyayo Stadium.

Both teams will have to find alternative venues once the two facilities are closed.

AFC Leopards are scheduled to host Gor Mahia on Sunday, 26 April, and this fixture could be affected by the new changes anticipated.

Harambee Stars wonderkid nears La Liga debut after involvement in Sociedad win

Last season, the derby involving the two teams was postponed twice due to luck of a suitable venue, as Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani had been closed for renovations to host the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Apart from Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, other local clubs like KCB, Sofapaka, Kariobangi Sharks, Posta Rangers and Mathare United will also have to get new home grounds as they use Kasarani for their home matches.

ANALYSIS: The Importance of Wingers at AFCON 2025 and how they compare to Benni McCarthy’s use of Kenyan counterparts

Having returned from Morocco who hosted the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 finals, Komora expressed confidence that they will match the standards in the North African country.

“Morocco put up an incredible tournament and we had a chance to learn from them during the just concluded event. We will do everything possible to match what we saw there,” he said.

He further added that Talanta Stadium, which is 80% complete already, has some of the modern facilities they saw in Morocco.

Incomplete areas revealed as government provides latest update on Talanta Stadium [PHOTOS]