Government sets aside Sh44.7 billion for Talanta Sports Complex as part of AFCON preparations
Cabinet Secretary for Defense Soipan Tuya noted that construction of the new stadium is currently at 37 percent completion and is expected to be finished by February 28, 2026.
The government is investing Sh44.7 billion in the construction of the Talanta Sports Complex, the Ministry of Defense has disclosed.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture, Cabinet Secretary for Defense Soipan Tuya on Thursday said that Sh2 billion has already been paid to the Chinese firm contracted to undertake the work.
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She noted that construction of the new stadium is currently at 37 percent completion and is expected to be finished by February 28, 2026.
Tuya briefed the Committee on the progress of sports infrastructure projects ahead of Kenya's hosting duties for the CHAN and AFCON football tournaments.
She revealed that other major facilities across the country are undergoing renovations to meet the standards required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
She said Sh3.6 billion has been allocated for the first phase of renovation at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the designated venue for this year’s CHAN games in August.
“Phase two of changing the status of Kasarani will cost another Sh.3.1 billion to make the facility eligible to host AFCON,” Tuya told the MPs during the meeting at Bunge Towers.
Defence CS Soipan Tuya and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen lead other officials on a past inspection tour at the Talanta Sports City. (Photo: Michael Kirwa)
The CS further stated that Nyayo Stadium is also undergoing renovations worth Sh1.1 billion, with Sh200 million already paid for work completed so far. Nyayo Stadium is one of the key venues selected for CHAN.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret has also been earmarked for the tournament. According to Tuya, more than Sh3.5 billion will be required for its upgrade, with Sh300 million already spent.
She added that two other facilities, the Police Sacco Stadium and the Ulinzi Sports Complex, will serve as training grounds. Their renovations have cost Sh582 million and Sh490 million, respectively. CAF had recommended improvements on both venues to meet training requirements.
Tuya assured the Committee that Kenya is on track to meet CAF deadlines.
“Significant progress has been made on all the stadiums, and we are confident of beating the deadline set by CAF,” she said.
The CS said hosting the continental football tournaments would not only elevate Kenya’s sports profile but also bring numerous economic gains.
“The hosting of the AFCON championship is not only a matter of national pride but has many economic benefits,” Tuya added.
She urged fans to act responsibly during matches, pointing out that vandalism leads to high repair costs. “The host country has the privilege of taking part in the championship and therefore a motivation to our football players and entertain fans who will turn up to watch football greats in Africa,” she said.
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