In an effort to maintain the good condition of the Nyayo National Stadium playing surface, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has imposed a prohibition on non-sporting events at the facility.

The CS also suggested that there is an ongoing arrangement to relocate the annual Jamhuri Day celebrations to an alternative venue. This strategic decision aims to safeguard the playing surface of Kenya's sole international standard facility, ensuring it remains in optimal condition.

“We believe that we have protected this Nyayo pitch. I have banned all non-sporting activities from these pitches. We have even agreed that the Jamhuri Day celebrations should be hosted elsewhere to protect this pitch so that we can have a good facility for the players,” Namwamba said.

The nation has faced challenges in maintaining sporting facilities recently, making the Sports Cabinet Secretary's decision a highly welcomed move. Several teams, including those using the Nyayo National Stadium as their home venue, along with the national teams, stand to benefit from this directive.

The national women's team, Harambee Starlets, will particularly gain from the improved pitch conditions as they strive to secure a spot in next year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations. This comes as a relief for the team, considering they had previously been training and playing at the Kasarani Annex, which experienced deterioration due to the impact of heavy rains.

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A longstanding concern has been raised to preserve sporting facilities for their intended purpose, as church crusades and private functions frequently take place on the playing surfaces. In the upcoming days, Kasarani Stadium is scheduled to host a prominently advertised crusade.

With Kenya gearing up to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, where both Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums are designated to host matches, the Sports Cabinet Secretary's ban on non-sporting events becomes a significant relief. This proactive measure aims to ensure that these key facilities maintain their optimal condition for the prestigious tournament.