AFCON jewel: Inside world-class Raila Odinga International Stadium set to transform Kenyan football
Kenya’s dream of hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) alongside Tanzania and Uganda is rapidly becoming a reality, with the impressive Raila Odinga International Stadium emerging as a symbol of national pride and modern sporting excellence.
Rising from the historic Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi, the 60,000-seater facility is fast taking shape as one of the most technologically advanced stadiums on the African continent. Renamed in December 2025 in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, the stadium has been earmarked among the flagship venues that will host both the opening and closing ceremonies of Africa’s biggest football showpiece.
Global standards
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Construction of the Raila Odinga International Stadium has entered its final phase, with the towering superstructure already complete. Current works are focused on installing thousands of seats, integrating sophisticated broadcast systems and completing high-powered floodlighting that will illuminate the arena for night matches and global television coverage.
Inside the stadium, finishing touches are transforming the structure into a cutting-edge sporting arena. Advanced public address systems have been installed to deliver crystal-clear sound across all tiers, while giant digital screens are being mounted to enhance the fan experience.
State-of-the-art lighting systems ensure optimal visibility for both players and spectators, meeting international broadcast requirements.
These world-class installations are positioning the facility among elite stadiums capable of hosting global tournaments, not just continental competitions.
Smart sustainability
Beyond its visual grandeur, the stadium has been engineered with remarkable technical precision. A computerised hydraulic tension cable system supports the expansive roof structure, a feature found only in a select group of modern stadiums worldwide. This innovative design ensures structural stability while creating unobstructed views for tens of thousands of spectators.
The exterior façade reflects Kenya’s national identity, drawing inspiration from the country’s emblem to create a striking architectural statement that blends culture with modernity.
Sustainability has also been placed at the heart of the design. The stadium features a roof-harvested rainwater management system that collects, treats and recycles water for pitch irrigation. Supporting infrastructure includes a dedicated irrigation pump room, alongside fire and domestic water storage systems that enhance safety and operational reliability.
Elite facilities
The Raila Odinga International Stadium is designed to deliver an unmatched experience for players, match officials and supporters alike. The facility includes modern changing rooms fitted to international standards, ensuring athletes enjoy premium comfort before and after matches.
A major technological highlight is the inclusion of VAR-enabled officiating suites, ensuring that refereeing meets modern football standards. Retail spaces integrated within the complex will provide fans with shopping and entertainment options, turning matchdays into full-scale sporting experiences.
These complementary amenities elevate the stadium beyond a traditional football venue, transforming it into a multifunctional sports and entertainment hub.
Security and tournament readiness
Behind the scenes, the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration has played a central role in preparing the stadium for international certification. The department has coordinated multi-agency operations to align security systems with national and continental standards.
Their efforts include designing comprehensive crowd management frameworks, ensuring safe entry and exit routes, and coordinating local administrative units to support seamless tournament operations. These measures are critical in positioning the stadium as a secure and tournament-ready venue for AFCON 2027.
