In early February 2026, football stakeholders in Mombasa expressed renewed optimism following the national government’s decision to take over and complete the long-stalled Mombasa Municipal Stadium.
Following a breakthrough meeting between Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and national officials on February 4, 2026, the Ministry of Defence has been tasked with overseeing the reconstruction to ensure its completion by December 2026.
The government has set aside Ksh 1 billion for the project. The revamped facility will be a 15,000-seater stadium built to FIFA standards and is uniquely designed as Kenya’s only low-altitude sports hub.
Local football leaders, including FKF Mombasa County Chairman Alamin Ahmed Abdalla, noted that the stadium’s 15-year hiatus contributed to rising insecurity and drug abuse among local youth. Its completion is seen as a “new beginning” for nurturing talent and reclaiming the region’s football glory.
Beyond local league matches, the stadium is being fast-tracked to serve as an alternative venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), positioning Mombasa as a hub for sports tourism.
The Mombasa County Government has agreed to settle all outstanding liabilities with the previous contractor to allow for a smooth formal handover to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) technical team.
By Anthony Solly
