Talanta Stadium Construction Reaches 61% Ahead of AFCON 2027

Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have taken a major step forward, with construction of the Talanta Stadium in Nairobi now 61% complete. The 60,000-capacity venue is one of the key facilities being developed to host the continental tournament.

Eliud Owalo, from the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency, confirmed the milestone, describing it as a significant achievement in the country’s effort to deliver modern sports infrastructure. The Talanta Stadium, situated along Ngong Road, forms the heart of the ambitious Talanta Sports City, which is a project designed to transform Nairobi into a global sports and entertainment destination.

According to the Government Delivery Unit (GDU), the ultra-modern arena will cater to both football and rugby matches and will be fitted with world-class features that meet international sporting standards. Once completed, it will not only serve as the main AFCON 2027 venue but also stand as a long-term investment to enhance sports development, boost tourism, and promote urban renewal in the capital and surrounding regions.

The project is part of the government’s wider commitment to implementing large-scale developments through innovative and sustainable financing methods. Built under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, led by Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, the stadium is being funded via a securitized bond backed by the Sports Fund. This financing approach enables the government to raise funds based on projected revenues rather than borrowing, thereby avoiding an increase in national debt. Experts have praised this as a model for future mega infrastructure projects in the country.

Officials have also highlighted the socio-economic benefits of the initiative. Thousands of job opportunities have been created for local residents, while the development positions Nairobi as a potential hub for major sporting events and international conferences. Supporting infrastructure is being developed alongside the stadium, including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system along Ngong Road, a new railway station serving Talanta Sports City, and a connecting road linking the area to the Southern Bypass and the upcoming Bomas International Conference Centre.

“The Government Delivery Unit on 8th October 2025 inspected the Talanta Stadium, the main venue for AFCON 2027,” a government update read. “A 60,000-seater ultra-modern football and rugby stadium is rising fast at 61% completion,” it added.

A Modern Sports Hub for Kenya and Africa

The latest inspection was led by Acting Head of the GDU, Mr. Sitati Olando, accompanied by Nairobi Regional Commissioner Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo and other sector officials. The team expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction, noting that the project remains on schedule and is expected to be completed well ahead of the 2027 tournament.

The government’s emphasis on timely delivery aligns with its “Delivering Results” agenda, a strategy aimed at accelerating flagship projects across critical sectors such as transport, energy, and sports. Beyond being just a stadium, Talanta represents a symbol of Kenya’s national pride and its growing presence in the continental sports scene.

In a recent presentation to the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture, the Ministry of Defence detailed the stadium’s financing structure, construction stages, and completion timeline. The ministry’s report indicated that the securitization of the Sports Fund has attracted strong investor interest, setting a new precedent for public-private partnerships in infrastructure development.

Economic Impact and Regional Growth

The Talanta Sports City is expected to deliver a major economic boost beyond the sporting arena. The integrated development, which includes plans for the Bomas International Conference Centre, will create a mixed-use zone combining business, leisure, and innovation spaces. This is anticipated to attract tourism, stimulate the retail and hospitality sectors, and spur investment in the local economy.

Visible progress can already be seen along Ngong Road, where heavy machinery, cranes, and new access routes mark the site’s transformation. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping up the pace to ensure the stadium meets global standards and is delivered within the set timeline.

The completion of Talanta Stadium will not only strengthen Kenya’s capacity to host international events but also leave a lasting legacy that fuels economic and social growth for years to come.