Top 10 Stadiums in Kenya: Building the Future of Football Ahead of AFCON 2027

For the first time in history, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 — a monumental moment for East African football.

This isn’t just a tournament. It’s a statement. A promise. A chance to show the continent that East Africa is ready to shine on the biggest stage.

To meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, all three countries are racing to upgrade their stadiums.

In Kenya, this has sparked a wave of construction, renovation, and innovation — turning old grounds into modern arenas and building new ones from scratch.

Let’s take you on a tour of Kenya’s top stadiums — the beating hearts of our football culture.

Featured Stadiums: Where Culture Meets Competition

1. Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani), Nairobi

Capacity: 60,000
Status: Renovated and CAF-approved

Kasarani is Kenya’s flagship stadium.

It’s hosted everything from Harambee Stars matches to international concerts.

With an Olympic-size pool, indoor arena, and hotel, it’s more than a stadium — it’s a sports city.

2. Talanta Sports City, Nairobi

Capacity: 60,000
Status: Under construction
Completion Date: December 2025

This brand-new stadium is Kenya’s boldest project yet.

Built at a cost of Ksh 44.7 billion, Talanta Stadium will be football-only, with no athletics track — a first in Kenya.

It’s designed for night matches, VAR, and goal-line technology.

3. Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi

Capacity: 30,000
Status: Renovated

Nyayo is Nairobi’s historic stadium.

It’s hosted KPL matches, national holidays, and CHAN 2024 finals.

After upgrades, it now meets CAF standards and remains one of the busiest stadiums in Kenya.

4. William Ole Ntimama Stadium, Narok

Capacity: 20,000
Status: Upgraded

Home to Sofapaka FC and Kariobangi Sharks, this stadium is a symbol of pride for Narok County.

It’s named after the late Maasai leader William Ole Ntimama and has become a hub for football and culture.

5. Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos

Capacity: 10,000
Status: Operational

Versatile and vibrant, Kenyatta Stadium has hosted everything from football and rugby to political rallies.

It’s a key venue for Eastern Kenya and a favorite for FKF Premier League matches.

6. Afraha Stadium, Nakuru

Capacity: 8,200 → 20,000
Status: Under renovation

Located near Lake Nakuru National Park, Afraha is one of Kenya’s most scenic stadiums.

It’s undergoing a Ksh 4 billion facelift funded by the World Bank, with new stands, tartan tracks, and lighting.

7. Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi

Capacity: 7,500
Status: Operational

Built inside Lang’ata Barracks, this military-owned stadium is home to Ulinzi Stars FC.

It features a gym, pool, and recreation areas — a true sports complex.

8. Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, Kisumu

Capacity: 7,000 → 15,000
Status: Expanding

Located near Lake Victoria, this stadium is a cultural cauldron.

On match days, fans overflow onto the track, creating an electric atmosphere.

9. Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega

Capacity: 5,000 → 30,000
Status: Expansion ongoing

Home to Kakamega Homeboyz, Bukhungu is Western Kenya’s football fortress.

Once renovations are complete, it will rival Kasarani in size and spirit.

10. Gusii Stadium, Kisii

Capacity: 5,000
Status: Operational

This is the home of Shabana FC, one of Kenya’s most beloved community clubs.

Gusii Stadium is deeply rooted in local culture and football tradition.

11. Dandora Stadium, Nairobi

Capacity: 4,000
Status: Newly opened (March 2024)

Built at a cost of Ksh 276 million, Dandora Stadium is a modern jewel for Embakasi fans.

It’s already hosted several FKF matches and is a model for community-driven sports development.

12. Raila Odinga Stadium, Homa Bay

Capacity: 4,000
Status: Operational

Named after the former Prime Minister, this stadium has hosted football, rugby, and political events.

It’s a key venue for Nyanza region.

Stadium Growth & Investment Trends

Kenya’s stadium boom is backed by serious numbers.

Lessons from CHAN 2024: What Kenya Must Fix

AFCON 2027 preparations are being shaped by the hard-earned lessons of CHAN 2024, which Kenya co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania.

While the tournament showcased East Africa’s potential, it also exposed critical gaps.

“The CHAN 2024 experience taught us that infrastructure is only half the battle. Fan experience, logistics, and technology integration are equally crucial for AFCON success.”

Fan Zones: The Soul of African Football

During CHAN 2024, Nairobi transformed ordinary spaces into open-air football carnivals.

Giant screens lit up the streets, hawkers turned into unofficial vendors, and strangers became family.

For AFCON 2027, fan zones must be planned from day one — not as an afterthought.

What’s Next: Kenya’s Road to AFCON 2027

With less than two years to go, Kenya’s AFCON 2027 roadmap includes comprehensive preparations across multiple fronts.

Final Word: Stadiums as Symbols

Kenya’s stadiums are no longer just venues — they’re symbols of ambition, community, and continental pride.

From the grandeur of Kasarani to the grassroots energy of Dandora, each arena tells a story.

As AFCON 2027 approaches, we at FutaaFisaa.co.ke will be your eyes and ears — capturing the roar of the crowd, the rise of new heroes, and the pulse of East African football.

“These stadiums represent more than concrete and steel. They are the dreams of a continent made manifest, where legends will be born and history will be written.”