Green paint was once used to cover flaws, but Kasarani’s pitch is now set for a full world-class transformation before AFCON.

Often when major international tournaments approach, the spotlight shifts to infrastructure readiness, and for Kenya, the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, is right at the center of that conversation.

Being one of the key venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), the stadium’s playing surface has come under scrutiny, prompting urgent action from authorities.

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Concerns over the pitch were first raised last October when reports surfaced that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had rejected the quality of grass planted at the venue.

Fans, too, noticed the rugged appearance of the surface, which lacked the sleek, green finish expected of a world-class ground.

“We are going to lay a new pitch there. According to the experts, all of it should be bermuda grass, not hybrid. Bermuda grass is the one recommended worldwide,” said Kenya’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman Nicholas Musonye, adding that kikuyu grass — currently planted at Nyayo National Stadium — could also be replaced as per Nation.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had earlier assured the public that CAF’s recommendations were being met.

Now, authorities are keen to ensure the stadium not only meets, but exceeds, international standards.

The biggest problem lies in the grass composition, and experts have recommended a complete switch to pure bermuda grass, which is more resilient, provides better ball roll, and meets global standards.

The current mixture of bermuda and kikuyu grass has left the pitch uneven in texture and inconsistent in appearance — so much so that green paint had to be applied to discoloured patches during the Morocco vs Madagascar final to improve its television look.

But the type of grass is just one piece of the puzzle. CAF Stadium Regulations, Edition 2022, require that the playing field be smooth, level, and have grass maintained at a height between 20 and 30 millimetres. This ensures smooth ball movement and reduces the risk of player injuries.

A top-class pitch needs more than just the right turf.

CAF also demands that pitches be equipped with a modern sprinkler system to keep the grass moist and playable, and a proper drainage system to prevent flooding during heavy rains.

There must also be a 1.5-metre boundary of natural or artificial grass around the field, a warm-up area for substitutes, ideally with artificial turf, and dimensions that fall within the 100–110 metre length and 64–75 metre width guidelines.

Musonye confirmed that Moi International Sports Centre already meets most of these requirements, apart from the grass.

The venue even boasts additional modern facilities, including offices and deluxe suites, allowing dignitaries to conduct business in comfort during matches.

Kenya’s decision to replace the pitch reflects a commitment to delivering a tournament that will be remembered not just for footballing excellence, but also for its world-class infrastructure.

Works are set to begin later this month, and fans can expect a completely revamped Kasarani — one that meets the high standards of CAF and stands as a fitting stage for Africa’s biggest football festival.