By KPC Sports Reporter
Construction of the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City has reached 91 per cent completion, with the Government projecting completion by July ahead of AFCON 2027.
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the stadium on schedule as Kenya accelerates preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the Government had adopted a whole-of-government approach to ensure the project meets Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards and international requirements.
“This is a major facility for AFCON and we have put the whole-of-government approach behind this project. We are confident that we will deliver it on time,” said Mvurya.
The CS said the three training pitches within the Talanta Sports City complex are currently 87 per cent complete, while auxiliary works are also progressing steadily.
He noted that the contractor has incorporated all CAF recommendations and inspection requirements throughout the construction process to ensure compliance with international standards.
“We made a deliberate technical decision to consistently and periodically engage CAF at every stage of construction to ensure there is no non-compliance. So far, we are progressing concurrently and satisfactorily,” he stated.
Works on the main stadium pitch are ongoing, with grass already planted and expected to fully mature within the next three months before testing and stitching begin.
Other final touches, including installation of a water fountain, landscaping, lighting systems, perimeter fencing and power connectivity, are also advancing steadily.
At the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, Mvurya said renovation works that began a month ago remain on course, with installation of the irrigation system and grass planting currently underway.
The CS further revealed that the Government is holding consultations with CAF over the proposed installation of 61 skyboxes at Kasarani Stadium.
According to a technical assessment by Sports Kenya, implementing the recommendation in its current form would interfere with critical existing infrastructure and effectively turn the facility into a fresh construction site, potentially affecting Kenya’s AFCON readiness timelines.
“The technical assessment by Sports Kenya indicates that the construction of the 61 skyboxes would require major structural interference with already existing critical infrastructure at Kasarani. Reworking the stadium at this stage risks delaying Kenya’s readiness timelines, and therefore discussions with CAF are ongoing on this specific element,” said Mvurya.
The CS also praised the growing preparedness of the national football team, Harambee Stars, saying AFCON 2027 offers Kenya an opportunity to showcase both its hosting capability and sporting talent to the world.
He reaffirmed the Government’s readiness and commitment to successfully host the continental tournament.