The Kenyan government has unveiled fresh progress on the ongoing renovation of Afraha Stadium, outlining an ambitious redevelopment programme that will transform the iconic Nakuru venue into a modern sporting facility ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The project forms part of the government’s nationwide sports infrastructure drive aimed at ensuring Kenya is ready to co-host the continental football showpiece alongside Uganda and Tanzania while creating lasting benefits for local sports development.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) are spearheading the extensive modernisation works, which are expected to significantly improve the stadium’s capacity and facilities.

One of the project’s key highlights is the expansion of Afraha Stadium’s seating capacity. The venue, which currently accommodates about 8,200 spectators, is being upgraded to hold between 13,000 and 15,000 fans during the intermediate phases of construction, with long-term plans to increase capacity to 20,000.

The redevelopment extends beyond seating expansion and includes the construction of modern pavilions, installation of high-mast floodlights to enable night matches, development of an all-weather Tartan athletics track, upgrading of the football pitch to international standards, construction of secure parking facilities and improvement of sanitation infrastructure.

According to Omollo, the investment reflects the government’s commitment to delivering world-class sporting venues capable of hosting major continental competitions.

“The Government is making significant investments in modern sports infrastructure across the country to upgrade facilities that will host matches and serve as training venues during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” Omollo said.

He added that the upgraded stadium will play a key role in strengthening Nakuru’s position as a regional sports hub.

“Upon completion, the facility will strengthen Nakuru’s status as a regional sports hub, nurture local talent and stimulate sports tourism and economic growth.”

Omollo further noted that the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration will continue supporting the project through security coordination and inter-agency collaboration to ensure the facility is effectively managed, protected and maintained after completion.

The current redevelopment builds on an earlier Phase One upgrade financed through the World Bank-supported Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) at a cost of KSh650 million.

That phase delivered critical improvements, including rehabilitation of the playing surface and drainage system, construction of the main pavilion, development of an athletics track, upgrading of spectator terraces and installation of modern facilities for players, match officials and the media.

Although the government has not disclosed the cost of the ongoing phase, the scale of the works makes it one of the country’s most significant stadium redevelopment projects.

For decades, Afraha Stadium has been one of Kenya’s most iconic football venues, hosting numerous FKF Premier League matches and serving as the home ground of Ulinzi Stars.

However, competitive football has been absent from the venue for more than five years after renovation works began. The last FKF Premier League match at the stadium was played on January 30, 2021, when Ulinzi Stars and KCB played out a goalless draw before the facility was closed for redevelopment.

Afraha’s transformation is part of Kenya’s wider preparations for AFCON 2027. Across the country, several stadium projects are progressing simultaneously, including the construction of the 10,000-seater Migori Stadium and upgrades at Thika Stadium, Moi Stadium Kisumu, Kericho Green Stadium and the 14,000-seater Gusii Stadium.

The government’s flagship sports infrastructure project remains the nearly completed 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga Stadium, which is expected to be one of the main venues for the continental tournament.

Collectively, the projects reflect Kenya’s determination to modernise its sporting infrastructure, create world-class venues capable of hosting major international competitions, nurture emerging talent and position the country as one of Africa’s leading destinations for sports tourism and investment.