The refurbishment of Nyayo National Stadium has stopped because the contractor has not been paid, with Sh984 million of a Sh1.184 billion contract still outstanding, according to a Senate committee briefing on October 6, 2026. The Nairobi venue is earmarked as a training ground for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
By the 254.ke Newsroom.
What is the Nyayo Stadium payment dispute?
Only Sh200 million of the contract sum has been released so far, leaving the Sh984 million balance unpaid. The contractor has suspended work on site, Kenyans.co.ke and Pulse Sports reported on October 6 and 7.
The matter surfaced before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare, chaired by West Pokot Senator Julius Murgor. He told officials: “If the Ministry of Labour and Nairobi County have not been involved so far, please begin by sending out their invitations today.” Both reports do not name the contractor.
Which works are finished and which are pending?
| Status | Works |
|---|---|
| Done or advanced | Drainage improvements, CCTV surveillance, floodlight masts |
| Pending | Connecting floodlights to the grid, LED perimeter boards, electronic scoreboard, turnstile automation, ticketing infrastructure, perimeter wall upgrades, disability access |
Why does Nyayo matter for AFCON 2027?
Kenya’s match venues are Raila Odinga International Stadium (Talanta) and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Nyayo is the designated training venue. When the government announced a Sh26.4 billion sports infrastructure allocation in June 2026, Sports CS Salim Mvurya said Nyayo’s share would pay for a canopy and “other balance works” to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, The Star reported.
The tournament is being planned for June 19 to mid-July 2027. Uganda’s local organising committee gave those dates in April as a working assumption pending formal CAF confirmation. That leaves roughly eight months before the opening match.
Is this the only stadium bill outstanding?
No. Pulse Sports and Kenyans.co.ke both note earlier reports of about Sh2.176 billion in pending bills across State Department for Sports stadium projects. Kenya’s AFCON preparations have faced funding warnings since March, when reports put the stadium funding gap at more than Sh14 billion. Read how the national team’s qualifying campaign is going in Harambee Stars Lose 1-0 to Guinea: Group D Standings, and earlier coverage of the government’s stadium promises and the sports docket handover to Mvurya.
The Ministry of Sports had not publicly responded to the Sh984 million claim in the reports reviewed as of October 7, 2026.
FAQ
How much is owed on the Nyayo Stadium refurbishment?
Sh984 million, out of a Sh1.184 billion contract. Sh200 million has been paid.
Will Nyayo host AFCON 2027 matches?
No. Nyayo is a training venue. Matches in Kenya are planned for Talanta and Kasarani.
When is AFCON 2027?
Planned for mid-June to mid-July 2027, subject to CAF confirmation. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are joint hosts.
Who is the contractor?
The reports reviewed do not name the firm.
Source: Confederation of African Football for tournament standards and updates.
