Talanta Stadium: Government Provides Conflicting Completion Dates of AFCON 2027 Host Venue

Talanta Stadium, Kenya's main venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, is nearing completion but there is still uncertainty over exactly when the keys will be handed over.

‎The Kenyan government has been in a race against time to have the state-of-the-art 60,000 facility ready and by the end of 2025, it was reported to be 70 per cent done.

‎Construction work at the stadium has reached its exterior with the installation of the stadium emblem while interior canopy works are nearing completion. The playing surface is also being levelled to meet international standards.

‎There are also plans to build a four-star hotel and shopping mall next to the stadium, making it a major sporting hub in East Africa.

‎However, while Kenyans anxiously wait for it to be ready, the government appears unsure of the completion date based on recent sentiments of high-ranking state officials.

‎While inspecting the facility in November, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya promised that the stadium will be ready by the end of February.

‎“By the end of December 2025, all exterior and major infrastructural works will be finalised, paving the way for the contractor to commence finishing works in preparation for full operationalisation by February 2026,” Mvurya told the media at the time.

‎But while attending the GENOWA Governor's Cup final in Homa Bay County last weekend, President William Ruto revised the date.

“The Talanta Stadium, which I have said will now be called Raila Odinga International Stadium, will be completed this January and we will start using it as we await 2027 AFCON matches,” the President told the gathering.

‎However, on New Year’s Day, the President came with another different update from his official X account.

“We are building 21 modern stadia across the country to nurture the sporting talents of our young people. As part of this commitment, the Talanta Sports City Stadium will be completed later this year, delivering world-class sports infrastructure,” the message read.

The conflicting dates are leaving Kenyans in a state of confusion and now, it looks like the government will have to provide another update, stating exactly when the highly-awaited ultramodern stadium will be ready.

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