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Kenya edges closer to AFCON 2027 milestone as Raila Odinga International Stadium nears completion
30th July, 2026 09:54 AM
Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have received another major boost after Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru announced that the Raila Odinga International Stadium, formerly known as Talanta Sports City, is entering its final phase of implementation.
The 60,000-seat ultra-modern stadium along Ngong Road is expected to be Kenya’s flagship venue during the continental tournament, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania under the PAMOJA partnership. The stadium has been designed to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards and is intended to host some of the tournament’s biggest matches. Recent government updates indicate that construction has surpassed 90 percent, with work now focusing on final installations, including ICT systems, broadcasting infrastructure, spectator amenities and landscaping.
Speaking after inspecting the project on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Mariru expressed confidence that the government would deliver the stadium on schedule ahead of the tournament.
“We are now at the final stages of implementing the Raila Odinga International Stadium, also known as Talanta Sports City, as we work towards delivering Kenya’s flagship venue for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
“Today, I joined Chief of the Defence Forces, General Charles Kahariri, during an inspection visit to the Raila Odinga International Stadium project, along Ngong road.
“The Ministry of Defence, through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), is overseeing the implementation of this landmark national project. I commend our team from the KDF for their exemplary supervision, professionalism, and unwavering commitment, which have brought the project to this advanced stage.” He said.
Also present were the Vice Chief of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General John Omenda; the Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter; the Commander Kenya Air Force, Major General Benard Waliaula; the Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Owuor Otieno; Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces Personnel and Logistics, Major General Peter Kipketer Limo and other senior officers.
Kenya’s investment in the Raila Odinga International Stadium forms part of wider preparations for AFCON 2027, which will mark the first time the tournament is staged jointly by three East African nations. Besides the new stadium, the government has also been upgrading Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium, alongside constructing CAF-compliant training grounds and improving transport and support infrastructure.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe recently voiced confidence that the East African nations would successfully host the tournament despite the challenges involved in delivering the required infrastructure. Qualifiers are scheduled to begin later this year, while the finals are set to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
With construction now entering its final stretch, the Raila Odinga International Stadium stands as the centerpiece of Kenya’s AFCON ambitions. Government officials maintain that the project remains on course, with PS Mariru’s latest inspection reinforcing the administration’s commitment to handing over a world-class facility capable of showcasing Kenya on the continental stage.
