RAILA ODINGA TALANTA STADIUM TO BE READY BY END OF JULY AS KENYA RACES TO MEET AFCON 2027 DEADLINES
The Raila Odinga Talanta International Stadium will be substantially completed by the end of July 2026, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced, offering a major boost to Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mvurya made the announcement on Tuesday, June 23, during an inspection tour of the multi-billion-shilling facility, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction works and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the project on schedule.
The Cabinet Secretary revealed that the stadium has now reached 91 per cent completion, with only a handful of final works remaining before the facility is ready for inspection by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“I conducted an inspection of the Raila Odinga International Stadium, and I am satisfied with the pace of works at the facility, with all major construction activities expected to be substantially completed by the end of July this year,” Mvurya said.
The CS noted that ongoing works are now concentrated on electrical installations, final fittings, interior finishes, and other finishing touches, while turf development on the main playing surface continues according to schedule.
He further explained that extensive landscaping and turf management efforts are underway to ensure the stadium fully complies with CAF’s strict standards ahead of the continental tournament.
“Continuous monitoring, turf management, and landscaping works are ongoing at the main playing pitch and the football training grounds to ensure full compliance with CAF standards and requirements ahead of AFCON 2027,” he added.
During the visit, Mvurya also officially handed over the construction of two additional training pitches, while a third training facility is reported to be nearing completion.
According to the Sports Ministry, these facilities will not only serve AFCON preparations but will continue benefiting Kenyan sports long after the tournament concludes. The training grounds are expected to support football, rugby, and athletics development programmes across the country.
Beyond the stadium itself, significant infrastructure works surrounding the venue are also progressing. These include road construction projects and rail-related developments aimed at improving accessibility and easing movement during major sporting events.
The ministry further disclosed that a CAF technical officer is currently in Kenya to assess the progress of the country’s sporting infrastructure ahead of additional inspection visits scheduled for July.
The completion of Talanta Stadium remains a critical milestone for Kenya as it prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament will mark the first time the East African neighbours jointly host Africa’s premier football competition.
With CAF inspections drawing closer, government officials are under pressure to ensure all key facilities meet the required standards and are delivered within the agreed timelines.
The successful completion of the Raila Odinga Talanta International Stadium is expected to play a central role in Kenya’s ambitions of hosting a memorable and world-class AFCON tournament in 2027.
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