The Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium, being constructed at a cost of Sh45.8 billion, is nearing completion, with the Ministry of Defence assuring the National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee that the deadline set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will be met. The stadium's construction is currently at 94% complete, with the main stadium at 95%, outdoor training facilities at 92%, and external works at 93%.
The National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee, led by Chairperson Daniel Wanyama, inspected the Nairobi stadium to assess the country's infrastructure and supporting facilities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The committee was informed that the stadium would require about three months of testing and commissioning before it can host major international matches to ensure that various systems and facilities are fully operational and compliant with requirements.
Members of the committee raised concerns about access roads, crowd management, and healthcare facilities. Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna questioned the adequacy of access roads and how authorities would manage the movement of large crowds before and after matches. He also sought information on measures to protect the playing surface from environmental challenges.
The project team addressed some of the concerns, with Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo stating that road improvement works serving the stadium had commenced, while internal access roads were also under construction. The Kenya Rural Roads Authority is undertaking some of the works, with completion targeted for April.
The stadium's design has incorporated measures to address concerns, including a one-million-litre auxiliary water tank and two 60,000-litre backup tanks, as well as eight generators capable of providing the required power supply. Major Engineer Victor King’e, the lead project architect, said the stadium would have medical centres on every floor, as well as a major ground-floor facility equipped to handle emergencies and anti-doping requirements.
The committee also heard that 210 hotels had applied to host teams, officials, and visitors, with all meeting the required qualification standards. Beyond the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Sports Kenya is developing a commercialisation policy to guide the stadium’s use after major tournaments, covering activities such as naming rights, concerts, and other major events.
The National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee is expected to continue its inspection programme at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to assess the progress of renovation works.
Key points
- The Talanta Stadium is expected to be ready by December 31.
- The stadium's construction cost has increased to Sh45.8 billion.
- The stadium will require three months of testing and commissioning before hosting major international matches.
