By MOSES OJUANG'
The 1996 Africa Cup of Nations bid collapse remains a stark reminder of Kenya's chronic stadium underdevelopment, with current facilities facing similar neglect decades later.
Reports describe the Afraha Stadium's playing surface as resembling a plowed farm, prompting widespread criticism from coaches and players. Multiple incidents, including referee injuries and player ankle sprains, underscore the hazardous conditions. Similar issues plague Mombasa's stadium, where high school pitches often surpass county facilities in quality.
Despite promises of 47 county stadiums during the 2013 elections—later reduced to five—no significant improvements materialized. A 2019 election cycle saw renewed pledges of nine new stadiums, though progress remains elusive. Critics argue that resources should focus on upgrading existing infrastructure rather than constructing new facilities.
The nation's failure to meet basic sports infrastructure standards has repeatedly undermined international hosting bids. The 1996 Africa Cup of Nations withdrawal, attributed to inadequate stadium preparation, exemplifies this pattern. Officials now face mounting pressure to address decades of underinvestment in sports facilities.
