Former Sports CS Ababu Namwamba claims he personally designed Talanta Stadium concept
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has said he conceptualised the Talanta Stadium project and initiated its implementation during his time in office.
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Namwamba stated that Talanta Stadium remains his lasting legacy, noting that he personally designed the concept and pushed it into motion. He said once completed, the stadium will have no equal in the region.
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Namwamba spoke while rallying support for Kenya’s Under-20 national football team ahead of their CECAFA U-20 AFCON qualifier against Tanzania at the KMC Stadium.
“My eternal legacy that no one will ever erase. I personally designed this concept and got it off the ground. By the time it’s done next year, it will have no equal in this region,” he stated.
He reiterated his belief in the potential of Kenyan youth, describing them as the country’s most valuable resource and saying he continues to support their growth in sports.
Ruto inspects Talanta Stadium
Earlier today, President William Ruto visited the Talanta Sports City Stadium site in Nairobi to inspect the progress of construction. During the visit, the President dismissed criticism surrounding the project, saying the visible progress on the ground speaks for itself. He urged Kenyans to focus on results rather than scepticism, adding that the stadium will be impressive once completed.
”Wangwana, mambo? They were busy treating doubts, and we trusted the process. Now look, see for yourselves, Talanta Stadium is right here. Hii ni noma sana, mtapenda,’ Ruto said.
Talanta Stadium, officially known as Talanta Sports City Stadium, is being built at the Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road. The facility is designed to seat about 60,000 spectators and will mainly host football and rugby matches, alongside other major sporting and national events.
Construction of the stadium began in March 2024 following a groundbreaking ceremony led by President Ruto. The project is being undertaken by China Road and Bridge Corporation and is designed to meet international standards required for major continental competitions.
The stadium is a key part of Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Tanzania and Uganda. It is expected to host several high-profile matches during the tournament and serve as a major regional sports hub.
The project is estimated to cost about Ksh44.7 billion and is being financed through an infrastructure-backed bond listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The financing model was adopted to support large-scale development while spreading costs over time.
As of early February 2026, the government says construction is more than halfway complete, with works progressing steadily toward completion later in the year. Once finished, Talanta Stadium is expected to significantly boost Kenya’s sports infrastructure and provide a modern platform for developing local talent and hosting international events.
