This archive report was first published on 21 August 2019.
On a recent visit to the National Museum, sports stakeholders in Kenya expressed their deep concern over the state of the country's sports facilities, particularly stadiums. The issue was brought to the fore during an event organised by the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) to award top flight football players who excelled in the 2018/19 season.
According to Chris Mbaisi, the president of SJAK, the current state of stadiums is affecting the growth and development of football in Kenya. He lamented the fact that players and clubs are enduring financial challenges while also contending with the lack of suitable playing grounds.
Jack Oguda, the CEO of the Kenyan Premier League (KPL), echoed Mbaisi's sentiments, urging the government to fast-track the completion of the four major stadiums that have been shut down for renovations. Oguda appealed to Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia to complete the renovation works at venues like Nyayo Stadium so that the league can have good quality football in the coming season.
“We have endured difficulties as league organisers, because we had to do with the few available stadiums, and with a league season that spanned just seven months. We managed in the end, but I appeal to the PS, through the ministry of sports, to complete renovation works at venues like Nyayo Stadium so that we can have good quality football in the coming season. With quality pitches, the quality of live transmission will also be good for our viewers, which will in turn spur growth of the league and football in general,” Oguda said.
Responding to the concerns, Kaberia assured that the venues would be reopened as soon as possible. “The strategy to refurnish the stadiums is still on course, and very soon you will see some of them being opened for use,” he said.
