Kenya is expanding its football infrastructure with a nationwide programme to construct 32 new stadiums as the country seeks to strengthen grassroots sports development and build a stronger pipeline of football talent, according to Citizen Digital. The programme was reaffirmed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during an inspection of the ongoing Gakoigo Stadium project in Murang’a County, where he said the government is investing in sports facilities to create opportunities for young people to develop and monetise their talents. The Gakoigo facility, being developed at an estimated cost of about KSh800 million, will accommodate approximately 10,000 spectators and include a football pitch, tartan athletics track, changing rooms, covered terraces and parking facilities.
The stadium programme forms part of Kenya’s broader investment in sports infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Beyond the main tournament venues, the government says the new facilities are intended to serve as multipurpose centres for communities, with proposed amenities including ICT hubs, recording studios, training spaces and other facilities that can support sports and creative industries. Kenya is also working with FIFA on regional technical centres designed to identify and develop young footballers, while discussions between President William Ruto and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have included the development of a modern technical centre and a potential FIFA-standard stadium in Mombasa.
The infrastructure drive positions football as both a sporting and economic development opportunity, with modern venues capable of supporting professional matches, grassroots competitions, entertainment events, sports tourism, sponsorship, advertising and other commercial activities. Kenya is simultaneously upgrading major facilities including the Raila Odinga International Stadium, Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani, while construction is advancing on smaller county facilities such as Gakoigo Stadium and a planned 10,000-seat stadium in Samburu County. As Kenya prepares for AFCON 2027, the 32-stadium programme could extend the benefits of the tournament beyond the host venues by creating a broader national infrastructure network for talent development and sports-related economic activity.
