Ruto approves renaming of Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium

President William Ruto has given his approval to rename Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium in honour of the late former Prime Minister.

The announcement follows increasing calls for the renaming, which gained traction during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

During the celebrations, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja made a public appeal to President Ruto, urging him to consider the request from Nairobi residents who wanted the new stadium to bear Raila Odinga’s name.

Responding to the appeal, President Ruto assured the audience that the stadium would indeed carry the late leader’s name once construction is complete early next year.

“I have heard what the Governor of Nairobi has said, that the Talanta Stadium should be given what name? Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium? I have heard you. And when we finish it, we will do that,” he said.

The stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, is currently in its final construction phase and is expected to be completed by March 2026. It is designed to host both national and international sporting events, as well as cultural and community celebrations.

The renaming of the facility reflects the administration’s broader goal of promoting national unity and recognising individuals who have made lasting contributions to Kenya’s democratic and social development.

President Ruto framed the project within his Bottom-Up Economic Transformation agenda, which seeks to link infrastructure development with opportunities for youth empowerment and community engagement.

“Just as we empower farmers and strengthen our agricultural sector, we must also invest in our youth, sports, and national facilities,” he said.

“For years, we spoke casually of agriculture as the bedrock of our economy and of farmers as our pillars. Today, we do. And the same principle applies to sports and recreation.”

During his speech, the President engaged with the crowd, asking them which name they wanted the stadium to bear.

The audience responded with one voice: “Raila Odinga!” President Ruto confirmed, “You have said that we should rename it to Raila Amolo Odinga International Stadium. I have heard you, and as soon as we are done, we will do that.”

The formal renaming process will follow legal and administrative protocols. The initial proposal, submitted by Governor Sakaja, will be reviewed by relevant government ministries, including Sports, Lands, and Public Works.

The proposal will then be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

Public consultations and stakeholder engagement will follow to ensure support and compliance with existing laws governing public facilities and heritage sites.

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Once official approval is granted, the renaming will be formalised through a gazette notice. Updates will include stadium signage, maps, tickets, and digital records.

A ceremonial unveiling is expected to mark the stadium’s official inauguration as Raila Odinga International Stadium, attended by the President and key stakeholders.

President Ruto emphasised that the renaming goes beyond the physical facility, framing it as part of a broader mission to create opportunities, celebrate Kenyan excellence, and foster national cohesion.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar, it is about creating opportunities, fostering unity, and celebrating Kenyan excellence,” he said.

The stadium project is also part of Kenya’s renewed focus on building sports infrastructure as a pillar of social development and youth empowerment.