Talanta Stadium: Government Reveals One Critical Thing That Will Not Be Rushed at AFCON 2027 Host Venue

Following the latest update on Talanta Stadium, also known as Raila Odinga International Stadium, the government has elaborated on one key thing that will take longer to complete.

The state confirmed on Friday that the 60,000-seater state-of-the-art stadium is 80 per cent done with a few details left as Kenya races against time to be ready for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Talanta Stadium will be the main host venue for AFCON 2027 matches in Kenya and the government is determined to ensure attention to detail on every little component.

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Following an inspection tour that covered the stadium’s interior and exterior works, including the two main outdoor pitches on Friday, Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru said most critical functions have been completed, including the superstructures supporting the facade and terraces where the seats will be installed.

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

While those will take little time to get up, Mariru explained that the main pitch will be the last to complete and will take longer due to the intricacies involved in having it laid as per the requirements of world football governing body FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF).

“The last bit that is most critical for football is the pitch itself. The drainage system is being done and finally, we will have the grass done,” said Mariru.

“According to the requirements of CAF and FIFA, we will have the grass grown naturally. We are going to plant the grass and it will take two-three months. We will leave it to grow naturally. That we cannot speed up, but everything else will be done as we have said.”

Mariru feels that is the only component that will take longer but remains confident that the rest of the work will be completed as scheduled.

“The timeline we had given is the same timeline, we are upwards of 80 per cent. The 80 is the hard part because the remaining 20 per cent we are also counting fixing of seats which can be done in one day,” he further stated.

“The remaining part is the easer part, structure, brick and mortar, steel is done and the remaining is what can be done very quickly.”

Besides Talanta Stadium, Kasarani is the other venue that will be used for AFCON 2027 matches in Kenya who will co-host the tournament alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania