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POR
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Kenya's Talanta Stadium and Tanzania's Samia Suluhu Stadium are nearing completion as flagship venues, gearing up to host AFCON 2027 in East Africa.
As the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, the Pamoja bid partners, Tanzania and Kenya, are locked in a friendly but high-stakes race to deliver world-class infrastructure.
At the centre of this sprint are two flagship projects, the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha and the Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi.
While both are on track to meet CAF's stringent requirements, their progress reflects different scales and architectural philosophies.
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Talanta Stadium vs Samia Suluhu Stadium: Current Progress and Timelines
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As of February 2026, both stadiums have entered their final phases, but Kenya's Talanta Sports City currently holds a lead in completion percentage.
Talanta Sports City in Nairobi is roughly 85% complete. The structural work is largely finished, and recent efforts have shifted toward installing the specialised "GrassMaster" pitch and finalising the 60,000-seat interior.
Despite recent public debate regarding the choice of seating, the government has fast-tracked the procurement of higher-standard foldable seats to ensure the "jewel of Africa" meets international fan-comfort expectations. It is projected to be ready for full use by April 2026.
Samia Suluhu Stadium in Tanzania has reached approximately 75% completion. Following its groundbreaking in April 2024, the project has seen steady advancement.
The main steel superstructure is now topped out, and contractors are focusing on the circular roof and internal systems.
The Tanzanian government has maintained a strict payment schedule to ensure no delays, with a projected handover date in July 2026.
Talanta Stadium vs Samia Suluhu Stadium: Scale and Design Philosophy
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The two venues are being built for different roles within the AFCON ecosystem. Talanta is a massive 60,000-seater designed as an ultra-modern, football-only "cauldron" that eliminates the traditional running track to bring fans closer to the action. Its design is a nod to the traditional Maasai Shield.
In contrast, the Samia Suluhu Stadium is a more intimate 30,000-seat boutique venue. Its design is an architectural tribute to Tanzania’s heritage, inspired by the blue-violet Tanzanite gemstone and the silhouette of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Unlike Talanta, the Arusha facility is built as a multi-purpose hub that will accommodate both football and athletics.
Kenya is currently focusing heavily on the last mile experience, recently awarding a Sh3.9 billion contaract for walkways and road upgrades around the Jamhuri grounds.
Meanwhile, Tanzania is leveraging the Arusha project to decentralise sports from Dar es Salaam, investing heavily in the city's broader hospitality and transport sectors to turn the Northern Circuit into a sports tourism powerhouse.
While Talanta is closer to the finish line, both nations have successfully utilised high-level engineering to ensure that by the time the opening whistle blows in 2027, East Africa will be ready to host the continent.