Nairobi County to give City Stadium new artificial turf by end of June

Nairobi City Stadium, the oldest stadium in the country, will get a new artificial turf by next month courtesy of the county government.

The venue is likely to host 2019-2020 SportPesa Premier League matches for the first time since it was banned on 17 February 2016.

Judith ‘Nyangi’ Anyango, who is a member of the Nairobi County sports department board said plans are underway to ship in the artificial turf in a few weeks’ time.

Nyangi, also the organizing secretary of KPL champions Gor Mahia, said teams that used City Stadium as their home ground will start using the pitch for training immediately, before the terraces, washrooms and gym are done.

Anyango, who spoke after a meeting with the county Sports board in Nairobi, said  they were targeting to return the Kaloleni-based stadium to its lost glory after lying idle for the last two years.

Currently, Dandora Stadium is under construction and has been the center of attraction with fans trooping on a daily basis to see the venue, whose pictures have been trending in the social media.

“So far so good, with the Dandora Stadium set to be unveiled next month. We have decided to give city stadium a major face-lift, following a major outcry from football lovers who kept asking questions about City Stadium,” said Nyangi.

According to sources, Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko is expected to launch the ground breaking of Kihumbuini Stadium in Kangemi before next week.

Nyangi disclosed that they have a new contractor on standby incase the current one fails to fulfil his promise of completing the City Stadium turf by end month.

“We met the contractor who was awarded the job today and talked on how best the process can be fast-tracked.”

Stadia Safety and Security Committee banned City Stadium from hosting matches in 2016 until it meets the required minimum standards.

Former SSSC chairman Laban Jobita said the artificial turf is worn out due to poor maintenance.

“The wash and dressing rooms are in pathetic conditions and there was no running water in the stadium,” he said then.

The current artificial turf at the stadium was installed in 2008 by the world football governing body – Fifa.

The venue is currently being used for friendly matches and local soccer tournaments.