Talanta sports complex nears completion as government steps up AFCON preparations

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The government has intensified efforts to complete the Raila Odinga International Stadium, popularly known as Talanta Stadium, as preparations gather pace for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya reported that substantial progress had been recorded at the facility, with several components either completed or at advanced stages.

Mvurya spoke on Wednesday 19th August, after inspecting the Talanta Sports Complex Stadium alongside Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) engineers and technical teams overseeing the project.

He noted that perimeter fencing had commenced, while construction of a dedicated power substation was underway to provide the facility with adequate electricity once operational.

“The perimeter fencing has already started. The substation on the other side has also started, because here we need a lot of power,” Mvurya reiterated.

Further, the CS said road works around the stadium were also being pursued, noting that the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) had completed scoping for the required improvements.

He added that Kenya Railways was working on plans to connect the facility with the railway network, which would improve access for spectators and other users.

Importantly, Mvurya revealed that the main stadium was undergoing final installations and testing, including sound systems and LED screens.

According to the CS, the Government was also engaging the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on adjustments required in some sections, particularly the presidential pavilion.

The technical team, he stated, was working with CAF to determine the necessary structural adjustments to ensure the facility meets required international standards.

Security infrastructure has also been enhanced, with 91 turnstiles planned for the stadium and according to Mvurya, 60 had already been installed, while work continued on skyboxes and other sections.

Equally, he pointed out that operational lifts were another indication of the progress being made, stressing that the government was satisfied with the transformation witnessed during successive inspections.

In addition, the CS mentioned that work had also started on a training ground adjacent to the stadium, which will complement the main arena and strengthen preparations for AFCON.

Notably, Mvurya described Talanta Stadium as a major legacy project, observing that Kenya had not invested in a comparable international-standard stadium since Moi International Stadium (Kasarani) was constructed in 1987.

“Since 1987, there has not been any investment in a facility like the one we have here,” he asserted.

He further disclosed that the government was implementing a wider programme involving 32 additional stadium projects across the country to support talent identification, nurturing and development.

To this regard, the CS insisted that the facilities were being designed as multipurpose centres rather than venues that remain idle between league matches.

Technical designers, he said, had been directed to incorporate amenities such as ICT hubs, recording studios and skyboxes, enabling young people to pursue sports alongside technology, entertainment, and creative activities.

“The proposed facilities include buildings intended to provide training opportunities and learning spaces, complementing stadium infrastructure and creating avenues for students and young people to acquire practical skills,” highlighted the CS.

Mvurya emphasized that the Government wanted sports infrastructure to benefit communities long after AFCON, by creating opportunities for education, training, innovation and economic activity.

On AFCON preparations, Mvurya maintained that Raila Odinga International Stadium remained among the key facilities being prepared for the continental tournament.

On the other hand, he announced that Kasarani Stadium was also undergoing works, including rehabilitation of its pitch, while contractors had been directed to accelerate implementation. Training grounds at Kasarani, Police Sacco and Nyayo are also being prepared as part of the AFCON package.

Similarly, Mvurya pointed out that Nyayo required relatively little work for AFCON because its pitch was already in good condition. However, the government plans to upgrade its canopy as part of a broader improvement programme, although the work is not an AFCON requirement.

Likewise, the CS stated that alternative fields and training grounds were also being developed outside Nairobi to strengthen the country’s preparedness for the tournament.

He cited Kipchoge Keino Stadium among facilities making good progress, alongside other projects being implemented across the country.

Meanwhile, Kenya is scheduled to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania, with preparations expected to intensify as the tournament approaches.

Mvurya affirmed that the investments reflected 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 CS assured that the infrastructure programme was not solely about hosting AFCON, but about creating a lasting foundation for talent development and expanding opportunities for Kenyan youth.

He reaffirmed that the Government was determined to ensure that facilities being developed for the tournament remained useful after the competition, supporting athletes across different disciplines, and strengthening Kenya’s sports ecosystem.

By Aron Kinyamasyo

Reporting originally appeared via Kenya News Agency. Read the full source for additional context.