The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the Talanta Sports City by December 2025, positioning it as the flagship venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
This follows a high-profile inspection visit on May 20, 2025, by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and his Forestry counterpart Gitonga Mugambi, accompanied by officials from the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA). The officials toured the construction site of the 60,000-seater stadium along Ngong Road, where significant progress was reported.
President William Ruto led the groundbreaking ceremony on March 1, 2025, and construction is expected to be completed within 10 months, with the contractor—China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)—promising delivery by December 2025.
Latest footage and photos from the site show that critical structural elements are nearing completion. Roofing beams and the multi-tier seating structure have been fully installed, providing the stadium with its defining silhouette. The steel works that had slowed progress in earlier months are now in place, with the canopy walls being erected in readiness for the general roofing structure.
Inside the stadium, partitioning of key functional rooms has begun in earnest. The second tier is set to house the VVIP and Presidential dais, hospitality lounges, and media areas, while the first tier will host changing rooms, medical facilities, and security zones, including anti-doping areas.
Additionally, work is underway on the player tunnel and supporting canopy stands, which are being assembled on the ground before installation in compliance with safety protocols.
The PS for Sports expressed confidence in the pace and quality of work, announcing that 3,500 workers—2,000 during the day and 1,500 at night—are working around the clock to ensure timely completion. The stadium is expected to be one of the most modern in East and Central Africa, with a projected cost of USD 334.5 million (approximately Ksh 44.7 billion).
In a statement shared on the State Department for Sports’ official X account, PS Mwangi confirmed the December 2025 deadline, noting that Talanta Sports City would be a central venue for AFCON 2027.
“The historic stadium is expected to be completed by December 2025 and shall be used to host AFCON 2027 among other stadiums,” reads part of the statement.
During his previous visit on April 11, 2025, President Ruto called for a multi-ministerial approach to the project, given that certain amenities—such as access roads and environmental considerations—fall under other ministries. This explains the presence of the Forestry Department and KURA, with expected upgrades to public transport likely to affect sections of Ngong Forest.
Meanwhile, with the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled to kick off on August 2, 2025, the government is rushing to complete upgrades to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium, which are earmarked for the continental tournament.
“Kenya is committed to hosting CHAN in August 2025 having honored its hosting fees and prepared relevant venues to host the competition.”
While Kasarani still requires the installation of a compliant playing surface, generator, and LED screens, Nyayo is undergoing repairs on the pitch and the outer perimeter wall, including integration of a new tartan track.
Training facilities are also being prepared, with Ulinzi Sports Complex already cleared by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Additional venues—Police Sacco Stadium, Kasarani Annex, and Kirigiti Stadium—are in various stages of upgrade, though Kirigiti remains the most delayed due to its unready playing surface.
Despite tight timelines, the Ministry of Sports expressed optimism, stating that Kenya remains on course to host CHAN 2025 successfully, having already met its financial obligations and continued to work on venue readiness.
Talanta Sports City stands as a symbol of Kenya’s renewed ambition to become a powerhouse in African football infrastructure and a leading host of international sporting events.
