This archive report was first published on 8 September 2019.
Located about 15km from Nairobi's Central Business District, the Dandora Stadium is set to become a landmark sports facility in the country, courtesy of Governor Mike Sonko's initiative.
Construction work on the stadium, which started from scratch 18 months ago, is expected to be completed by the end of October at the latest, according to project manager Steve Ragos.
When Nation Sport visited the construction site last week, about 50 workers were busy installing the final touches, including a state-of-the-art gym and perimeter wall.
Already, several Kenyan Premier League clubs, including Kariobangi Sharks and AFC Leopards, have expressed interest in playing their league matches at the facility, which will have a seating capacity of 12,000.
"We expect to complete the construction by end of October latest," said Ragos.
When completed, the stadium will become the first in East Africa to feature electronic advertising boards, with most of the equipment imported from Turkey. The ultra-modern artificial playing surface will be shipped in from Finland.
The stadium will also have a reception area, home and away dressing rooms, referee rooms, and a media centre, among other facilities.
However, about 50 families in the area may be evicted as they have encroached on land reserved for the parking lot.
"Nairobians have told me they want stadiums so that the youth can have time to showcase their talents. This project is the first step in providing for that need," said Sonko.
The construction of the stadium comes at a time when Kenyan Premier League clubs based in Nairobi have had to travel long distances to play their home matches due to the unavailability of Nyayo Stadium and City Stadium, which are undergoing renovation work.
