The Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium, a key venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, has reached 94% completion. A recent inspection by the National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee confirmed the progress. The 60,000-seat stadium is expected to be finished by December, ahead of the tournament scheduled from June 19 to July 17, 2027. The project has faced a cost increase to Sh45.8 billion from the original Sh35 billion due to taxes and implementation costs.
Following the construction completion, the stadium will undergo three months of testing and commissioning to ensure all systems are operational. The Ministry of Defence, overseeing the project, assured parliament that the stadium will be ready for the tournament. Ancillary facilities such as the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang'ata, Nyayo National Stadium, and Police Sacco Stadium will serve as training venues for teams.
The project includes several training sites to support teams and referees. Four annex training sites – two at Kasarani and two at Talanta – along with Kirigiti Stadium and Utalii Sports Grounds, will be used for referee training and other preparatory activities. The Kenya Rural Roads Authority is upgrading access roads, targeting completion by April. Internal circulation plans include seven designated drop-off points and a new railway terminus adjacent to the stadium.
Infrastructure for health and safety has been a priority. The stadium will have CAF-approved nearby hospitals, a one-million-litre water tank with backup supplies, and eight generators capable of delivering a 16-kilovolt power supply. The stadium will also be equipped with solar-powered street lighting. These measures aim to ensure a smooth and safe experience for teams and spectators.
A commercialisation policy is being prepared to generate revenue from the stadium. The policy aims to generate revenue from naming rights, concerts, and other events once the stadium becomes operational. This will enable the stadium to be self-sustaining and host various events beyond the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the progress, concerns have been raised about potential disruptions. MPs have expressed concerns about leadership disputes within the Football Kenya Federation and the impact of anticipated El Niño rains. Officials have outlined security and climate-resilience measures to address these concerns and ensure the stadium's readiness for the tournament.
The Sports Kenya Director General, Timothy Kilimo, reported that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the stadium's completion and readiness. With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations approaching, Kenya is working diligently to ensure that the Talanta Stadium and other facilities are prepared to host the event.
Key points
- The Talanta Stadium is 94% complete and on track to host matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
- The project's cost has risen to Sh45.8 billion from an original Sh35 billion due to taxes and implementation costs.
- The stadium will undergo three months of testing and commissioning to ensure all systems are operational before the tournament.
