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Kasarani Stadium (Moi International Sports Centre) is the largest stadium in Kenya. The main arena for the national football and track and field teams. It hosted the 2021 Athletics U-20 World Championships. The facility also has sports halls, swimming pools and other training facilities.

History

The Moi International Sports Centre, popularly known as Kasarani Stadium, was built in 1987 as a result of a partnership between the Kenyan and Chinese governments. It was officially inaugurated in August 1987 to host the 4th All-Africa Games. Over the years, the stadium became a national symbol and was even featured on the Kenyan 20 shilling note.

In January 2010, the stadium was closed for major renovations funded by a KSh 900 million grant from China. The renovations were completed and the stadium reopened in March 2012. In preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the stadium underwent further modernization in 2024, including the installation of modern floodlights, expanded roofing, upgraded seating, and implementation of VAR technology.

Architecture and Capacity

Located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of Nairobi along Thika Road, the stadium stands at an elevation of around 1,612 meters above sea level. The main stadium has a seating capacity of about 60,000. It features a multi-tiered design with a partially covered roof, corporate boxes, and modern spectator facilities.

The complex also includes a 5,000-seat indoor arena, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and a 108-room hotel known as the Stadion Hotel, catering to athletes, officials, and visitors.

Sporting Events

Kasarani Stadium is the home ground of Kenya's national football team, the Harambee Stars, and local clubs such as Mathare United and Tusker FC. It regularly hosts major domestic and international sports events including:

• The 4th All-Africa Games (1987)
• World U18 Athletics Championships (2017)
• World U20 Athletics Championships (2021)
• Kip Keino Classic (since 2020)
• Safari Sevens Rugby Tournament (since 2013)
• Africa Military Games (2002)

Cultural and Social Events

Beyond sports, Kasarani has been used for cultural, political, and religious events. It hosted the World Social Forum in 2007 and the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2009. Political rallies and national celebrations frequently take place here. During the 2014 Usalama Watch security operation, the stadium grounds were temporarily repurposed for processing individuals.

Significance for Kenya

As Kenya’s largest stadium, Kasarani plays a central role in the country’s sports development and cultural identity. It is not only a venue for national pride and international recognition but also a symbol of Kenya’s partnership with China and commitment to building world-class infrastructure for its youth and athletes.

Renovations

• 2010–2012: A KSh 900 million renovation project led by Chinese firm Sheng Li Engineering, which updated seating, office blocks, and general infrastructure.
• 2024–ongoing: In preparation for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, the stadium is being upgraded with new floodlighting (3,000 lux), modern seating, expanded roof, media facilities, and VAR system.

Facilities

• Indoor Arena: A 5,000-capacity multipurpose hall for basketball, volleyball, boxing, and martial arts.
• Aquatic Complex: Features an Olympic-standard pool, diving pool, and training facilities.
• Stadion Hotel: A 108-room hotel offering accommodation, restaurants, conference halls, and a business centre.

Trivia

• The stadium is depicted on Kenya’s 20 shilling note.
• Its elevation (approx. 1,612 m) has a notable effect on athletes' performance, especially in endurance events.
• It was the site of the opening ceremony for the Africa Military Games in 2002.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moi_International_Sports_Centre
2. https://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/ken/kasarani_stadium
3. https://kipkeinoclassic.co.ke/galleries/about-moi-kasarani-stadium/
4. https://sportskenya.org/117240/dffbaa/106/MTJlZ_j_U4Nz/74-d-b861dc8