Govt: Talanta Stadium 91% complete, on course for July handover
By Luke Oluoch, May 15, 2026The Ministry of Sports has revealed the ongoing progress of the construction of the mega Talanta Stadium ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) games.
In a statement on Friday, May 15, 2026, during a high-level ministerial inspection visit to assess the progress on-site, Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said that the facility is now on its final stretch with a 91% completion rate and on course to be delivered to CAF for the upcoming games.
“I have conducted an inspection visit to assess the progress of construction works at the Raila Odinga International Stadium at the Talanta Sports City, currently at 91% complete, with the government firmly on course to deliver the facility by the end of July,” Mvurya said.
The stunning multi-billion iconic 60,000-seater stadium is part of Kenya’s fast-tracked approach to ensure the government meets the stringent timelines set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the historic continental showpiece in the East African region for the first time in the history of the competition.
Kenya will host the games alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the Pamoja bid banner.
Training facilities coming up
Beyond the main stadium canopy and bowl, auxiliary infrastructure within the ecosystem is matching the rapid pace. The ministry noted that the three designated training pitches are currently 87% complete.
“The three training pitches are also at 87% complete, while key final works including landscaping, lighting, fencing, and power connectivity, continue to progress steadily,” his statement added.
“Work has now shifted heavily toward essential final-phase installations. Key operations,including extensive site landscaping, stadium lighting systems, perimeter fencing, and permanent main grid power connectivity, are progressing steadily to make the venue fully operational ahead of scheduled test events,”
The CS also disclosed that all CAF requirements and inspection recommendations continue to be systematically incorporated concurrently throughout construction to avoid the infrastructural bottlenecks and late rejections that have plagued regional stadium bids in the past.
Mvurya on fears of hosting AFCON
The CS, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, addressed anxieties over the country’s capacity to meet the financial obligations required to host the continental showpiece. He expressed optimism that Kenya will be ready to host the games come 2027.
“As Kenya prepares for AFCON, which will be hosted alongside Uganda and Tanzania, I want to assure all Kenyans and stakeholders that we are ready,” he observed.
“While there has been conflicting reporting, matters of financing and hosting fees are simply part of the process. We are already engaging parliamentary committees and the Treasury to ensure we meet our obligations. Kenya is ready to host the best AFCON the region has ever seen.”