Sh44 billion Talanta Stadium project hits 61 per cent completion milestone
Key infrastructure supporting the stadium includes a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Ngong Road, a railway station providing access to the stadium, and a link road connecting the Southern Bypass to the Bomas International Conference Centre.
Talanta Stadium, the main venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is now 61 per cent complete, according to the Government Delivery Unit (GDU), following a recent inspection of the ongoing works in Nairobi.
The 60,000-seater facility is designed to host both football and rugby matches. Key infrastructure supporting the stadium includes a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line along Ngong Road, a railway station providing access to the stadium, and a link road connecting the Southern Bypass to the Bomas International Conference Centre.
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The inspection was led by GDU Acting Head Sitati Olando, alongside Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo and sector teams overseeing progress. Officials confirmed that construction is on track to meet deadlines ahead of AFCON 2027, with major structural works largely complete.
The project is being funded through innovative mechanisms, including the Linzi 003 Infrastructure Asset-Backed Security, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), which raised over Sh44 billion.
President William Ruto described the funding as a milestone for market-driven infrastructure financing, highlighting that the stadium will be the first purpose-built international facility in Kenya since Moi Sports Centre Kasarani opened in 1987.
"With a 60,000-seater capacity, Talanta Sports City is not merely filling that long-standing gap; it is redefining the nation’s sporting landscape,” he said, noting the facility will help nurture talent and attract global tournaments.
While construction progresses, some Members of Parliament have recently raised concerns over a government plan to securitise the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) to raise more than Sh44 billion for the construction of Talanta Sports City. They warned the move could burden taxpayers with long-term debt.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture said the initiative, meant to finance one of the main venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, lacks transparency and adequate public consultation.
During a session with Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and National Treasury’s Director-General for Public Investment and Portfolio Management on September 30, Lawrence Bet, the committee sought clarity on the proposed financing model and the diversion of SASDF resources to semi-autonomous government agencies (SAGAs).
Bet, appearing on behalf of Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo, told MPs that the plan had already secured approvals from the Treasury, Attorney General and capital markets regulators, adding that the bond was listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange in July 2025.
“The financing model will spread repayment over 15 years at an interest rate of 7.93 per cent, with proceeds directed towards completing Talanta Sports City in time for AFCON 2027,” Bet said.
Still, MPs raised concerns about the long-term financial implications.
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