• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 1 month ago

Government gives new progress update as Talanta Stadium nears completion

The Kenyan government has confirmed that the construction of Talanta Stadium is now 88 percent complete, even as the project misses its March 2026 deadline. 

Speaking after a site visit, Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya said the stadium is almost complete, with only final works remaining.  

She said major structural works have already been finished, and current efforts are focused on making the stadium fully ready and compliant with international standards.

Talanta Stadium, which will be branded as the Raila Odinga International Stadium, is one of Kenya’s flagship projects. Construction began in March 2024 during a groundbreaking ceremony led by President William Ruto.

The facility is part of Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the PAMOJA bid.

Initially, the stadium was expected to be completed by December 2025, before the deadline was pushed to March 31, 2026. However, with that date now passed, a new completion timeline is yet to be announced.

The main contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation, is continuing with construction works to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible.

Photos shared during the visit show that the stadium’s outer structure and roofing are complete. Installation of seats is also at an advanced stage, especially in the lower and upper sections.

The VIP section will have foldable seats with extra comfort, while regular sections will have standard seats with backrests. The middle section will include VVIP areas and a presidential suite for top officials.

Large LED screens have also been installed, which will be used for match replays, announcements, and VAR display during matches.

Work on the playing surface is still ongoing, while landscaping outside the stadium is nearing completion, with walkways and green areas already taking shape.

Several government ministries are also working together to support the project. These include transport, energy, water, and ICT departments, which are helping improve roads, electricity, water supply, and communication systems around the stadium.

The update comes ahead of an expected visit by CAF President Patrice Motsepe next month, as Kenya continues preparations to host the continental tournament.

Despite delays, the government remains confident that Talanta Stadium will be ready in time to play a key role during AFCON 2027.