Government provides update on Talanta Sports City, Nyayo & Kasarani Stadia ahead of CHAN 2024, AFCON 2027

Sports CS Salim Mvurya has given an update over the progress of Talanta Sports City, which will host the 2027 AFCON following an imprompt visit to the ground on Tuesday afternoon.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has expressed optimism that the construction of the Talanta Sports Complex will be completed by December this year. The assurance follows his visit to inspect the progress of the stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

The Talanta Sports City, earmarked as one of the venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), has made significant strides since construction commenced 10 months ago.

 This 60,000-seater stadium is among four facilities—alongside Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Nyayo National Stadium, and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani—designated to host matches for the 2027 AFCON. Kasarani and Nyayo will also serve as key venues for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled for August.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Talanta Sports Complex took place on 1 March 2024, presided over by President William Ruto. Initially, the project was slated for completion by December 2025, with a possible extension to March 2026.

Some of the modern features set to define the Talanta Sports Complex include a VVIP area, a media centre, executive changing rooms for players, officials, and ball boys, a security control centre, and a state-of-the-art VAR room. The playing surface will measure 105 metres by 68 metres, adhering to FIFA standards, and the facility will also include a 3,000-capacity parking area.

The project is being constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports. It is the first international-standard stadium built by the Kenyan Government since the construction of Nyayo National Stadium in 1983 and Kasarani Stadium in 1987 under President Daniel Moi.

The updated status of the progress of Kasarani Stadium ahead of the January 20 CAF submission deadline for CHAN 2024.

Following a 30-minute inspection of the facility, Mvurya emphasised the importance of timely completion, urging Kenyans to hold both the government and contractors accountable.

“The projects we are doing to improve sports infrastructure in this country are very, very important,” said Mvurya. “From what I have seen, we are in good shape to achieve completion by December this year so that we can be ready for the Africa Cup of Nations.”

He added, “I am happy with the progress here, as well as the other stadia being prepared for the African Nations Championships this August. This is good work, and we will be able to monitor the construction of this facility.”

Mvurya also provided an update on the status of Kasarani and Nyayo stadia, reassuring the public about ongoing improvements.

“They have already fixed the lights at Kasarani. The field has regenerated very well, including the grass as well as other things that were pending, so I think they have made good progress,” he noted.

He stressed the importance of consistent oversight, saying, “We are happy and we will keep piling the pressure to make sure work is done by December. I understand Kenyans are closely following because we will host CHAN in August and AFCON in 2027, so I want to assure them to keep following and piling the pressure to make sure that football in Kenya develops.”

Regarding Nyayo Stadium, Mvurya confirmed that key upgrades are ongoing. “There is great progress. The grass, the goalposts are ideal, and the dressing rooms are ready. The lights are still being fixed. Only one tower is being worked on in terms of height to make sure it is in mint condition.”