Government Provides Update Over Talanta Sports City Progression Ahead of AFCON 2027 [PHOTOS]

Talanta Sports City is making fine progress ahead of its completion deadline, set for April 2026.

Construction works at Kenya's flagship Talanta Sports City are gathering pace as the country races against time to deliver world-class infrastructure ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The latest inspection tour on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, led by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and Forestry PS Gitonga Mugambi, alongside Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) officials, offered fresh updates on the progress of the ultra-modern facility located along Ngong’ Road.

Talanta Sports City is part of Kenya’s broader plan to meet CAF requirements after the country, alongside neighbors Uganda and Tanzania, secured hosting rights for CHAN 2024—now scheduled for August 2025—and the 2027 AFCON.

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All Three Stadium Tiers Skeletal Structures Nearing Completion

Photos shared by PS Mwangi show considerable progress, with the curtain walls now fully installed, enhancing both the aesthetics and weather protection of the stadium.

 Meanwhile, the skeletal structures for the first and second tiers are complete, and partitioning has begun—especially in the central section designated for the presidential suite, VVIP, VIP, and main camera zones.

The canopy walls—critical for the stadium's roofing—are being installed across various sections. In one area, the top layer of the canopy is already complete. However, the third tier is facing minor structural delays, although all steelworks are in place and slabbing is underway to bring it up to speed.

Another area showing visible progress is the stadium tunnel, where beams have already been installed, giving shape to what will become the main player and official access route into the arena.

Stadium Expected to Be Completed By April 2026

The stadium, which broke ground on March 1, 2024, under the leadership of President William Ruto, is being built by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)—a firm renowned for meeting tight deadlines. The stadium is expected to be completed somewhere  between December 2025 and April 2026.

"The historic stadium is expected to be completed by December 2025 and shall be used to host AFCON 2027 among other stadiums," read part of a statement shared on the State Department for Sports' X (formerly Twitter) page.

To meet the tight deadline, the project has engaged a massive workforce, with 3,500 workers deployed in shifts—2,000 during the day and 1,500 at night.

President Ruto, during his last visit to the site on April 11, 2025, called for a multi-ministerial approach to fast-track the completion of the stadium, recognizing that several amenities required fall outside the scope of the Sports and Defense ministries. 

The inclusion of the State Department for Forestry and KURA in the latest inspection signals broader collaboration, especially in upgrading public transport infrastructure. This includes potential expansion that may impact parts of the Ngong' Forest.

As Kenya gears up to host CHAN from August 2 to August 30, 2025, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to the tournament, citing timely payment of hosting fees and ongoing venue preparations.

Besides Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium—earmarked to host the CHAN matches—several other facilities are being upgraded to serve as training venues. These include the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Stadium, Kasarani Annex, and Kirigiti Stadium.

“The country is committed to hosting CHAN in August 2025 having honored its hosting fees and prepared relevant venues to host the competition,” the Sports Department stated on its X (formerly Twitter) page.

With construction progressing steadily and logistical support being scaled up, Kenya appears well on course to not only meet but potentially exceed expectations for both CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027.