Kinoru gets Sh892m for second-phase renovations

The government has allocated KSh892 million for the completion of renovation works at the Kinoru Stadium, Sports Permanent Secretary Kirimi Kaberia said on Friday.

The facility, one of five chosen as host venue for the 2018 African Nations Championships (Chan), will undergo a second phase of renovation beginning Saturday ahead of the biennial continental competition.

Sports Kenya officials were in Meru County where the local administration handed over the facility to them, six days before a final inspection tour by CAF to determine Kenya’s preparedness to host Chan.

“As a ministry we will support counties in developing the stadiums. Inter-county collaborations in the country will help develop leagues in football and other games like rugby and athletics. If the stadium will be in good shape, we will have the advantage,” Kaberia said.

Sports Kenya Chairman Fred Muteti said that the work is scheduled to commence immediately.

“The work is projected to take two and half months from tomorrow. This is an international stadium and therefore you must put up a 24-hour man power to enhance the work. The governor will supervise the work but all funding will be done by national government,” Muteti stated.

He said that once completed, the field will be used for international games and also as a training ground due to the high altitude in the region.

On his part, Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi pledged to accord the contractor necessary support to ensure that he beats set deadlines and ensures it meets FIFA standards.

“The County Government applauds Sports Kenya for choosing the stadium for development and bringing the competition to Meru. This will bring a greater opportunity not only during the event but also after considering it will be handed back to the county government,” Kiraitu said.

The Nyayo National Stadium, Moi International Sports Center-Kasarani, Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos and the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret are the other four venues earmarked to host the 2018 Chan.

“When CAF toured the stadium, they noted that the facility will be opening new frontier of football in Kenya, the continent and the world. We call for support from all stakeholders involved to ensure we achieve our dream,” Chan CEO Herbert Mwachiro said.

Mwachiro added the grass at the stadium will be changed to march that in other surfaces that will be played in the Russia 2018 World Cup.

Other changes that will be made include the installation of high quality floodlights, Public Address systems, screens and numbered seats.

“These systems will be automated. The seats will be labeled to match the ticketing. No more free sitting once the work is done but it will be controlled in move that will also act as a security measure,” the CEO added.

CAF inspection team will be in the country on September 7 to assess whether Kenya can successfully host the competition set for January 12 to February 5.