FKF: Sh900 million Kinoru Stadium 'cannot host division one matches'
FKF and Meru county government officials inspect the newly refurbished Kinoru stadium on January 19, 2021. They said the playing field was in deplorable condition and needed replacing for it to host international matches.
What you need to know:
- Koome said the county government was anxious to receive the stadium so that local talents and big clubs can use it.
- “Since July last year when CS Amina came here, the national government has been giving ultimatums but every time, we are forced to extend the deadlines because the work is always not ready. I hope we are in the homestretch,” he said.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has ruled that the newly refurbished Kinoru Stadium in Meru County which cost Sh900million cannot host international matches as intended due to poor playing surface.
Federation technical committee chairman Murithi Nabea recommended the stadium’s playing surface be replaced with a new turf for it to host national and international matches.
Speaking during a visit to assess the suitability of the stadium, Nabea said the turf was “not fit for even division one matches.”
The official observed that being among the venues that had been selected to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan) matches before Kenya was stripped of the rights to host it, it required to fit international standards.
“The playing field requires correction so that it can be used. I want to be very clear - since I come from here, for now, the way the stadium is, it cannot host division one match, which is our third tier league, let alone the international matches. The surface is unplayable, that is the status,” said Nabea.
He said they were keen on ensuring the 25,000-seat stadium attained international standards so that some of the premier league and international matches can be played there.
Meru Sports executive Koome Miriti said they had received requests from five top teams seeking to use the stadium as their home field.
Tusker FC had been using the stadium before it was closed for renovation in 2016, and have been monitoring the progress.
FKF international matches organizing committee chairman Michael Majua said the earliest the stadium could host an international match was in March when the turf can be replaced.
“Apart from the playing turf, we are pleased with what is going on. If the changes are rectified, we will be able to host FKF and international matches here,” said Majua.
The installation of the artificial turf and tartan track was to be handled by Gregori International Company, but the contractor has not started work following a dispute.
Toddy Civil Engineering Company won the overall bid to build the stadium.
Koome said the county government was anxious to receive the stadium so that local talents and big clubs can use it.
“Since July last year when CS Amina came here, the national government has been giving ultimatums but every time, we are forced to extend the deadlines because the work is always not ready. I hope we are in the homestretch,” he said.
