The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has identified areas that require immediate attention at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The committee, led by Chairperson Senator Recha Julius Murgor, conducted a comprehensive site inspection on Tuesday to assess the facility's condition and readiness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The inspection covered ongoing and outstanding civil works, occupational health and safety protocols, accessibility, and security measures.
The committee acknowledged that Nyayo National Stadium is in generally good shape but noted critical gaps that need to be addressed. The evaluation aimed to ensure that robust measures are established to guarantee the safety and convenience of spectators, players, and match officials. The committee emphasized that the upgrades should go beyond physical structures to include emergency preparedness and disaster response protocols.
One of the primary concerns raised by the committee was accessibility for persons with disabilities. Key areas require immediate structural adjustments, such as installing dedicated ramps and improving access routes. Ensuring that the venue comfortably accommodates all spectators formed a central part of the broader occupational safety and inclusivity review.
The committee also highlighted the need for standardized facilities across the venue to meet strict tournament mandates. Senator Murgor stated that attention needs to be paid to standardization, and the committee will forward the issues to the ministry headquarters to ensure they are solved. The committee urged the Ministry of Labour and the Nairobi County Government to take an active role in planning.
Engagements with the fire department and law enforcement agencies are deemed essential to evaluate disaster response protocols and secure matchdays. The committee noted that direct coordination with security agencies and the fire department is necessary to bolster emergency preparedness. This will ensure that the venue is equipped to handle emergencies and provide a safe experience for spectators.
On the playing surface, lawmakers pressed for strict adherence to project timelines, receiving assurances that the pitch will be tournament-ready by the end of the year. Completing this work promptly will afford Kenya ample time to fine-tune operations well ahead of AFCON 2027, which the country is co-hosting alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Senator Murgor expressed confidence that all requirements will be fulfilled, stating that the committee is pleased with the progress made so far. The upgrades are crucial to ensure that Nyayo National Stadium meets continental standards and provides a world-class experience for spectators, players, and match officials during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Key points
- The Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare has called for targeted upgrades at Nyayo National Stadium ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
- The committee emphasized the need for standardized facilities, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and robust emergency preparedness measures.
- The pitch is expected to be tournament-ready by the end of the year, giving Kenya ample time to fine-tune operations before AFCON 2027.
