The Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium has reached 94 per cent completion as Kenya steps up preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee inspected the Nairobi-based facility on Thursday, October 1, 2026, to assess the country’s preparedness ahead of the continental football competition scheduled for June 19 to July 17, 2027.
The Committee, led by Chairperson Daniel Wanyama, found that the 60,000-seater stadium was on course to meet the December 31 deadline set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).According to officials overseeing the project, the main stadium works are 95 per cent complete, outdoor training facilities stand at 92 per cent, while external works are at 93 per cent.
Stadium construction cost rises to Ksh45.8 Billion the Committee noted that the project cost had increased from the initial KSh35 billion budget to KSh45.8 billion.Officials attributed the rise to taxes and other unavoidable costs experienced during implementation.
The Ministry of Defence, which is undertaking the construction, assured legislators that the project timeline remained on track.
Upon completion, the stadium will undergo about three months of testing and commissioning to ensure all systems are operational before AFCON 2027.
The facility will serve as one of Kenya’s main tournament venues alongside Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Other designated training facilities include Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang’ata, Nyayo National Stadium, Police Sacco Stadium, Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County and Utalii Sports Grounds.
MPs raise concerns over roads, security and CAF requirementsDuring the inspection, legislators questioned the project team on infrastructure, transport, healthcare, water supply, hospitality and security arrangements.
Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna raised concerns over access roads serving the stadium and measures to manage movement of large crowds during match days.
He also sought clarification on the protection of the playing surface from environmental challenges and the availability of nearby medical facilities for players, officials and fans.
Turbo MP Janet Sitienei questioned whether the stadium and supporting facilities met CAF requirements and whether water supply systems would handle increased demand during the tournament.
She also called for strategies to maximise sports tourism opportunities linked to AFCON 2027.Committee Chair Daniel Wanyama directed the project team to submit a detailed report outlining CAF requirements and Kenya’s progress in meeting them.
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi raised concerns over Football Kenya Federation (FKF) leadership disputes and whether governance challenges could affect preparations.
“Is there any potential threat from FKF that could undermine this great event that we have planned?” Omondi asked.
Stadium prepares for major events beyond AFCONSports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo told the Committee that road improvement works serving the facility had started, with completion expected by April.
He said plans were in place to manage pedestrian and vehicle movement, including seven designated drop-off points.
A railway terminus being constructed next to the stadium is also expected to support transport during major events.
Officials said CAF had inspected and approved nearby hospitals, while 210 hotels had applied to host teams, officials and visitors during the tournament.
Major Engineer Victor King’e, the lead project architect, said the stadium had medical centres on every floor and a major medical facility on the ground floor equipped for emergencies and anti-doping procedures.
The stadium will have a one-million-litre auxiliary water tank supplied by Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company, two 60,000-litre backup tanks and two boreholes.
For power reliability, the facility will have eight generators capable of providing the required 16 kilovolt supply when operating at full capacity, alongside solar installations supporting external features such as street lighting.
Sports Kenya also said it was developing a commercialisation policy to guide the use of the facility for naming rights, concerts and other major events.
The Committee will next inspect Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to assess renovation progress ahead of AFCON 2027.
