Sasha Mutai on KRU's plans to build a new stadium in Kasarani
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 15.03.25. | 16:56
Currently, Nairobi has only one dedicated rugby stadium, the RFUEA Grounds, which has faced numerous challenges in terms of development
Kenya’s rugby infrastructure is likely to experience a transformative upgrade as Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) chairman Sasha Mutai outlines plans to build a state-of-the-art rugby stadium at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
If his words are anything to go by, it is now a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ rugby fans in Kenya will have a modern facility to call home.
Currently, Nairobi has only one dedicated rugby stadium, the RFUEA Grounds, which has faced numerous challenges in terms of development. Mutai pointed out that one of the major hindrances to upgrading RFUEA is land ownership.
“Unfortunately, the chairman of RFUEA has been in office for 44 years. From 1981, we are talking about people sitting in office for that long. So, we are now engaging him seriously, and he has to give up this,” Mutai remarked in an interview on Sporty Monday.
He emphasized that uncertainty over land ownership has deterred potential investors from committing funds to renovate the old RFUEA grounds.
“Nobody is going to invest millions of shillings when ownership of the land is still uncertain. So, we are lobbying the government to make KRU the main owner,” he explained.
In a move that signals progress, the government in September 2023 allocated 50 acres of land in Kasarani to KRU for the construction of a rugby stadium and a high-performance training center.
While this development has attracted potential investors, Mutai stressed that the next crucial step is securing the official title deed for the land.
“We've also talked to the government, and the government has allocated 50 acres in Kasarani. So, we are in serious talks with the government. we have potential investors, but we don't have the title. What we are doing now is not just waiting for the government,” he stated.
Mutai revealed that discussions with investors, including a hospital group from India and financiers from the Middle East, have already taken place. However, without official land ownership, no progress can be made.
“I've talked to potential investors in this, including a hospital group from India. And we're talking to some people who have money in the Middle East who want to invest. But you cannot do anything without the title,” he reiterated.
To address this, KRU has proposed a clause ensuring that if the stadium is not developed within four years, the land reverts to the government.
“We have worked on that, and the paperwork is there,” he affirmed.
Mutai envisions a future where Kenya can host one of the HSBC SVNS Series legs, a feat that would put the country on the global rugby map. He believes that with the right support, this dream can become a reality.
Over the years, Kenya has hosted international rugby tournaments such as the Safari 7s and the World Rugby U20 Trophy at Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums. The 2024 edition of Safari 7s was moved to Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
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