The Government has affirmed that construction works at the Raila Odinga International Stadium, currently at 91 percent completion, will be finalized by the end of July this year as Kenya intensifies preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the Government had placed the full weight of its support behind the project to ensure timely delivery in line with CAF standards and international requirements.
“This is a major facility for AFCON and we have put the whole-of-government approach behind this project. We are confident that we will deliver it on time,” said CS Mvurya.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the three training pitches within the Talanta Sports City complex are currently at 87 percent completion, with auxiliary works also progressing steadily.
He added that the contractor has incorporated all Confederation of African Football (CAF) recommendations and inspection requirements throughout the construction process to guarantee compliance with international standards.
“We made a deliberate technical decision to consistently and periodically engage CAF at every stage of construction to ensure there is no non-compliance. So far, we are progressing concurrently and satisfactorily,” he stated.
Pitch works at the main stadium are ongoing, with grass already planted and expected to fully mature within the next three months ahead of testing and stitching processes.
Final touches at the stadium, including installation of the water fountain, landscaping, lighting systems, perimeter fencing, and power connectivity, are also advancing steadily.
On the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, CS Mvurya said renovation works that commenced a month ago remain on course, with installation of the irrigation system and grass planting currently underway.
The Cabinet Secretary further revealed that the Government is engaged in consultations with CAF regarding the proposed installation of 61 skyboxes at Kasarani Stadium.
According to Sports Kenya’s technical assessment, implementing the recommendation in its current form would significantly interfere with critical existing infrastructure and effectively turn the stadium into a fresh construction site, potentially affecting Kenya’s AFCON readiness timelines.
“The technical assessment by Sports Kenya indicates that the construction of the 61 skyboxes would require major structural interference with already existing critical infrastructure at Kasarani. Reworking the stadium at this stage risks delaying Kenya’s readiness timelines, and therefore discussions with CAF are ongoing on this specific element,” said CS Mvurya.
The CS also commended the growing preparedness of the national football team, Harambee Stars, noting that AFCON 2027 presents Kenya with a unique opportunity not only to showcase its hosting capability, but also its sporting talent and national potential to the world.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment and readiness to successfully host the continental tournament.
