Raila Odinga International Stadium Hits Major Milestone as Kenya Follows Morocco's AFCON Standards

The government has announced that the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium is now over 80 per cent complete, marking a major milestone in Kenya’s largest sports infrastructure project since independence.

Speaking after a high-level joint inspection of the facility and other key amenities within the massive sports complex on Friday, Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, praised the remarkable construction progress of the ultra-modern stadium.

He said it provided the government’s adequate guarantee that the project would be completed on time within the set timelines.

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“For me, this is to confirm to the nation that the Pamoja AFCON is happening. We went to Morocco and received the CAF flag, and that means that we shall be hosting AFCON,” PS Mwangi said.

“We are on course to host the AFCON come 2027, and you may realise that Nyayo National Stadium will be given a new canopy, and we shall complete the canopy. We are working on 21 stadiums. The standards in Morocco is what we have here.”

PS Mwangi also revealed that Kenya is expecting delegations and inspection teams from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to visit the country soon to evaluate the infrastructure ahead of next year’s AFCON tournament.

He emphasised the importance of a Whole-of-Government Approach, noting that the successful hosting of a tournament of AFCON’s magnitude requires coordination across multiple agencies.

“Security, transport, roads, water, energy and ICT, among several others, will play a critical role in enhancing Kenya’s readiness to host the tournament,” he said.

During the inspection, officials walked around the main stadium to review both interior and exterior works, including the two main outdoor pitches.

PS Patrick Mariru (Defence) said that most critical functions have been completed, including the superstructures supporting the façade and terraces where the seats will be installed.

“The bulk of the work is done. That is over 80 per cent. The remain constitutes of works that can be done within a very short period,” he said.

He added that installation of seats, setting up giant screens, and fitting lighting and sound systems are among the ongoing tasks.

Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo lauded the inter-agency approach in delivering a world-class stadium. He described it as a practical method for enhancing efficiency and maximising results.

The Raila Odinga International Stadium, formerly Talanta Stadium, will be Kenya’s main venue for hosting AFCON next year. Designed for both football and rugby, the stadium will include a modern canopy, a presidential pavilion and 52 luxury skyboxes.

Other Principal Secretaries present in the joint inspection tour included Patrick Mariru (Defence), Dr Raymond Omollo (Interior), and Stephen Isaboke (Broadcast and Telecommunications).

Senior officials from the State Department for Roads, Water, Transport, Energy, and the Kenya Defence Forces were also represented.