Popular Kenyan musician and Sauti Sol band member Bien has revealed that the government denied them access to the Nyayo National Stadium where they wanted to host a concert.
Bien was speaking at the Iko Nini podcast when he divulged that they had planned to host their popular Sol Fest concert at the venue.
The singer noted that the government however denied them access to the venue citing reasons that attendees would tamper with facilities at the stadium due to the high numbers.
“Sol Fest was supposed to be held at Nyayo Stadium, but we were told that it could not be held there because people cannot step on the grass,” he said.
According to him, they were told that the stadium has an international sprinkler system underneath the grass turf which could be tampered with if too many people stepped on the grass.
“Then we were told that the running tracks have timers used when people are running which also could not be tampered with,” he added.
Following the state’s decision, the group had to hold their concert at the Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on November 4, 2023.
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The concert was probably the last ever as a band, after Sauti Sol had earlier announced that they would be taking a break as a group and focus on solo projects.
Bien questions other events held at the venue
Bien made the remarks while questioning why the government allowed other functions to be held at the stadium.
“They told us that many people stepping on the grass and track would interfere with the systems, but we always see Church functions being held at the stadium,” he said.
He further went on to refer to the recent mega crusade held at the same venue hosted by popular televangelist Benny Hinn.
The Healing the Nation crusade attracted thousands of congregants and dignitaries, including President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto.
Also Read: Eric Omondi and Khaligraph Are My Top Enemies- Bien
Stadia upgrade
Back in September 2023 Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba announced that the stadium would be among selected stadiums that were set to be closed for renovation.
He announced a major boost for the Sports industry in Kenya as the government launched the International Stadia Upgrade project.
The initiative aimed to elevate three prominent stadiums in Kenya, namely Kasarani, Nyayo, and Kipchoge Keino, to international standards.
Additionally, Ababu revealed that a new stadium called “Talanta Sports City” was scheduled for construction as part of this ambitious project.
“We have taken time to plan, we are ready to roll,” he stated.
The Ministry went on to hand over the project to contractors responsible for the international stadia upgrade.
Kenya is working round the clock to renovate stadiums ahead of the 2027 AFCON after winning joint hosting rights with Uganda and Tanzania.
