Government Provides Update on Talanta Stadium As Construction Hits 61% Completion Ahead of AFCON 2027

The Office of Deputy Chief of Staff, Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, has revealed that the construction of the Talanta Stadium in Nairobi has reached 61% completion, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s preparation to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). 

The ultra-modern facility, located along Ngong Road, is envisioned to be the centerpiece of the Talanta Sports City — a transformative project that underscores Kenya’s growing investment in world-class sports infrastructure.

According to the Government Delivery Unit (GDU), the 60,000-seater stadium is designed to host both football and rugby events, with state-of-the-art amenities aimed at meeting international standards.

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The stadium will not only serve as the main venue for AFCON 2027 but also as a legacy project to promote sports development, tourism, and urban renewal in Nairobi and beyond.

The project forms part of a broader government agenda to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects through innovative financing mechanisms. 

The Talanta Stadium is being constructed under the Ministry of Defence, led by Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, using a securitized bond from the Sports Fund. This model allows the government to raise capital through projected revenue streams without increasing public debt — a move that is now being hailed as a blueprint for future mega projects.

Officials say the project has created thousands of jobs for local residents, while also positioning Nairobi as a regional sports and conference hub. 

The stadium will be supported by key complementary infrastructure, including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line on Ngong Road, a railway station connecting to Talanta Sports City, and a link road to the Southern Bypass and Bomas International Conference Centre.

“The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) on 8th October 2025 inspected Talanta Stadium – AFCON 2027 Main Venue,” it read. 

“A 60,000-seater ultra-modern football and rugby stadium rising fast at 61% completion,” it added.

The inspection was led by GDU Acting Head, Mr. Sitati Olando, alongside the Nairobi Regional Commissioner, Mr. Gilbert Kitiyo, and sector teams. 

The team expressed confidence that the project was on track and would be completed well ahead of the 2027 continental showpiece.

The government’s focus on timely delivery is part of its broader “Delivering Results” agenda, which aims to accelerate progress on flagship projects across key sectors, including transport, energy, and sports. 

The Talanta Stadium is not just about building a sports arena — it represents a symbol of national pride and a catalyst for Kenya’s sports economy.

In a document presented before the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture, the Ministry of Defence detailed the financing model, construction phases, and projected completion timeline. 

The report noted that the securitization of the Sports Fund has already attracted strong investor confidence, opening new opportunities for public-private partnerships in infrastructure financing.

Beyond sports, the Talanta Sports City is expected to drive economic growth through tourism, retail, and hospitality sectors. 

The surrounding developments — including the planned Bomas International Conference Centre — will create a mixed-use urban ecosystem that supports business, leisure, and innovation.

Nairobi residents have begun to witness visible transformation along Ngong Road, with cranes, concrete shells, and new access roads signaling progress. 

The government has pledged to maintain momentum to ensure the facility is delivered on time and to international specifications.