(NAIROBI, KENYA) – Kenya is speeding up completion of the Raila Odinga International Stadium, also known as Talanta Stadium, as preparations intensify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said on Wednesday 19th August that the project has recorded substantial progress, with several parts completed or near completion.
Mvurya spoke after inspecting the Talanta Sports Complex Stadium with Kenya Defence Forces engineers and technical teams overseeing the project. He said perimeter fencing had started while construction of a dedicated power substation was underway to supply adequate electricity once the facility becomes operational.
Road works around the stadium are also being pursued. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority has completed scoping for the required improvements. Kenya Railways is working on plans to connect the facility with the railway network, which would improve access for spectators and other users.
The main stadium is undergoing final installations and testing, including sound systems and LED screens. The government is also engaging the Confederation of African Football on adjustments required in some sections, particularly the presidential pavilion. The technical team is working with the continental body to determine the structural changes needed to meet international standards.
Security infrastructure has been enhanced. A total of 91 turnstiles are planned for the stadium, with 60 already installed. Work continues on skyboxes and other sections. Operational lifts are also in place.
Work has started on a training ground next to the stadium. The facility will support the main arena and strengthen preparations for AFCON.
Mvurya described Talanta Stadium as a major legacy project. He noted that Kenya had not invested in a comparable international standard stadium since Moi International Stadium at Kasarani was built in 1987. The government is also rolling out 32 additional stadium projects across the country to support talent identification, nurturing and development.
The facilities are being designed as multipurpose centres rather than venues that remain idle between league matches. Technical designers have been directed to include amenities such as ICT hubs, recording studios and skyboxes. This would allow young people to pursue sports alongside technology, entertainment and creative activities. The proposed facilities include buildings meant to provide training and learning spaces, creating avenues for students and young people to acquire practical skills.
Mvurya said the government wants sports infrastructure to benefit communities long after AFCON by creating opportunities for education, training, innovation and economic activity. Raila Odinga International Stadium remains among the key facilities being prepared for the continental tournament.
Kasarani Stadium is also undergoing works, including rehabilitation of its pitch. Contractors have been directed to speed up implementation. Training grounds at Kasarani, Police Sacco and Nyayo are being prepared as part of the AFCON package. Nyayo requires relatively little work because its pitch is already in good condition. The government plans to upgrade its canopy as part of a broader improvement programme, although the work is not an AFCON requirement.
Alternative fields and training grounds are also being developed outside Nairobi to strengthen preparedness for the tournament. Kipchoge Keino Stadium is among facilities making good progress.
Kenya is scheduled to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania. Preparations are expected to intensify as the tournament approaches. Mvurya said the investments reflect President William Ruto’s administration’s commitment to ensuring sports facilities contribute to the long term development of young people, their families and the country.
The infrastructure programme is not solely about hosting AFCON. It aims to create a lasting foundation for talent development and expand opportunities for Kenyan youth.