President Kenyatta on Saturday reopened the Nyayo National Stadium following its renovation.

The 45,000-seat capacity sporting facility located in the city center has been under repair for the past three years at a cost of Sh650 million.

It was closed for renovations in 2017 in preparation for the 2018 Africa Nations Championships (Chan), which was later moved to Morocco over Kenya’s unpreparedness.  

Uhuru on Saturday termed the refurbishment and reopening of the arena as “a new chapter for sports in Kenya.” He also revealed plans to improve other stadia in Eldoret, Marsabit, Nyeri, Kirigiti in Kiambu, Wote Stadium in Makueni, among others.

Kenyatta further reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that Kenya hosts the World U-20 Championship and the World Safari Rally slated for next year.

He was accompanied by Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, and other government officials.

“Several international sports bodies are sending representatives to inspect this facility and I’m glad football administration has expressed their satisfaction with this facility,” said CS Amina.