Kenya’s football fraternity is up in arms after learning that Nyayo National Stadium, refurbished at great public expense to meet international standards, will host a major gospel crusade next month.
The event, Grace Encounter Nairobi, organised by Grace Arena Ministries, is set for 27 September and promises a star-studded line-up of international and local gospel acts, from Nigeria’s Moses Bliss to Tanzania’s Rose Muhando.
With free entry, organizers expect tens of thousands of worshippers to pour into the stadium.
For the faithful, it is an opportunity for mass worship. For football fans, however, it represents a step backwards.
“We spent millions on this pitch so Kenya can finally host international matches without embarrassment. Now they want to turn it into a crusade ground?” one supporter fumed online.
Another warned, “We’ve seen this before. Rallies and concerts ruin the turf. Who will fix it afterwards?”
The controversy comes just months after Nyayo hosted CHAN matches and as government prepares for further upgrades ahead of AFCON 2027. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has said a canopy will be added to bring the facility to “international” standards.
But critics say the Ministry of Sports has repeatedly undermined such investments by leasing stadiums for non-sporting events. A similar row broke out when the refurbished Homa Bay Stadium was used for the devolution conference.
Stakeholders now fear that allowing crusades and rallies will once again compromise Kenya’s readiness to host CAF and FIFA-sanctioned competitions. Fans are demanding Mvurya step in to ensure stadiums serve their primary purpose: sport.
