The Government of Kenya has officially announced that the construction of Talanta Sports Stadium—an ultra-modern 60,000-seater facility in Nairobi—will cost KSh 44.7 billion, making it one of the most ambitious sports infrastructure projects in East Africa.
The stadium is part of Kenya’s commitment to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, alongside Tanzania and Uganda under the East Africa Pamoja bid. Construction is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Sports under the Talanta Hela initiative, which aims to revamp the country’s sports and creative economy.
Speaking during a project update, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya stated that the stadium will be completed by December 2025, in time for AFCON preparation and trials. “This is more than a stadium—it is a national statement that Kenya is ready to host Africa’s biggest football tournament with pride and excellence,” Salim said.
The project will include:
– A main 60,000-seater stadium built to CAF and FIFA standards
– Indoor training arenas
– VIP hospitality lounges
– Advanced media, lighting, and broadcast systems
– Sustainability and green energy features
The stadium will be located in Nairobi’s Talanta Sports City, envisioned as a sports and innovation hub.
Despite criticism from some quarters over the project’s price tag, the government maintains the investment is necessary to position Kenya as a regional sports powerhouse and attract international events and tourism.
Talanta Stadium, alongside the renovated Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums, is expected to be a cornerstone of Kenya’s AFCON 2027 success.
Funding Concerns Raised:
While the official cost of Talanta Stadium is KSh 44.7 billion, critics warn the total repayment could balloon to over KSh 100 billion due to high interest rates on the 15-year infrastructure bond funding the project.
The government has not confirmed this figure, but analysts, including Budget Committee Chair Ndindi Nyoro, argue that the 15.04% semi-annual interest could make the stadium Kenya’s most expensive public facility if not carefully managed.
