The Ministry said it had invited CAF to re-inspect the facility in a bid to have it host Harambee Stars’ World Cup qualifier matches.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Sports, Principal Secretary Eng.Peter Tum said his Ministry has invited CAF inspectorate team to conduct inspection of the stadium.
This is after the previous exercise ruled the facility unfit to host qualifier matches.
“CAF inspection team has confirmed that they will be in the country in one or two weeks time to inspect Nyayo stadium again,” said Mr Tum.
He explained that the team had been invited by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to conduct the exercise after the ministry met some of the demands laid down by CAF.
“The fact that CAF team has agreed to come again for an inspection exercise after a request by CS gives the country and football fans hopes of watching Harambee Stars play their World Cup qualifier matches this year on home soil,” he said.
The PS, who had appeared before the Dan Wanyama-led Committee assured football fans that Nyayo will be given a clean bill of health to host the qualifier matches.
He noted that the CS is determined to ensure that all requirements by Fifa are met.
“The implications of not hosting qualifier matches at home are bad to the country and the national team,” he said.
And added: “It is because of this reason that the CS has put all mechanisms in place to ensure that the country complies with all the requirements.”
He noted that a lot of renovations have been undertaken following the closure of the stadium.
“The only area that we are working on now is the lighting project which will soon be complete,” said Mr Tum.
He confirmed that Bukhungu stadium has been ruled out as a host for CHAN championship.
“Our fall back plan for CHAN is Nyayo stadium after Bukhungu was ruled out by CAF,” said Mr Tum.
He added that renovations of Kasarani stadium that is earmarked to host AFCON in 2027 is 30 percent complete.
Wanyama noted that the Committee was concerned with information that World Cup qualifier matches by the national team would be held in Lilongwe, Malawi.
“As an oversighting entity we don’t see a tangible reason as to why the ministry cannot comply with Fifa standards for our stadiums to host matches of such magnitude, ” said the Webuye Webuye West MP.
He added that the Committee will also tour Nyayo stadium to inspect the progress made by the Ministry in ensuring that it meets the conditions required by Fifa to host World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya is set to face Ivory Coast and Burundi it 2026 World Cup qualifiers scheduled next month.
