By Erestinah Jane | July 7, 2026
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised the rapid progress of the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City, officially named the Raila Odinga International Stadium, saying the flagship sports facility is nearing completion ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kindiki made the remarks on Tuesday, July 7, after inspecting the multi-billion-shilling stadium under construction along Ngong Road in Nairobi. He described the project as a historic milestone for Kenya’s sports infrastructure, noting that it would become the country’s first internationally built stadium since the completion of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in 1987.
“The magnificent 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City along Ngong Road, Nairobi, is near ready. Awesome in size and beautiful to behold, this is the first international stadium to be built in this Country since the completion of Kasarani Stadium in 1987, thirty-nine years ago,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President commended the pace of construction, attributing the progress to round-the-clock operations coordinated by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). He also praised engineers, technicians and construction workers for their commitment to ensuring the project remains on schedule.
According to Kindiki, the 24-hour construction programme has significantly accelerated the development of the stadium, which is expected to play a central role in Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027.
The Raila Odinga International Stadium is now reported to be more than 80 per cent complete. Once finished, it will serve as the country’s premier football and rugby venue, having been designed without a running track to enhance the experience for players and spectators during football matches.
The facility is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and incorporates modern features expected of a world-class stadium. These include 52 luxury skyboxes, advanced hospitality facilities and a state-of-the-art roof-lifting system designed to meet international sporting standards.
The stadium is expected to become the centerpiece of Kenya’s hosting responsibilities during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with plans for it to stage both the tournament’s opening and closing ceremonies. Kenya is set to co-host the continental football championship alongside neighboring East African nations.
Beyond AFCON 2027, the stadium is expected to strengthen Kenya’s capacity to host major international sporting events, attract global competitions and promote sports tourism. The project also forms part of the government’s broader investment in sports infrastructure aimed at nurturing local talent, creating employment opportunities and positioning Kenya as a regional sporting hub.
The inspection tour underscores the government’s commitment to delivering the stadium within the required timelines as preparations for Africa’s biggest football tournament gather momentum. With construction entering its final phase, attention is now shifting to the completion of interior works, installation of key facilities and operational testing ahead of its official commissioning.
