Raila Odinga International Stadium to be Completed by July Ready for 2027 AFCON

By The COAST Reporter

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Construction of Raila Odinga International Stadium stands at 91 per cent work done with an end of July completion date as the country runs to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility at Talanta Sports City, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Salim Mvurya said the Government was fully behind the project to ensure timely delivery in line with Confederation of African Football (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,” he said.

The CS 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 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, the CS said renovation works that commenced a month ago remain on course, with installation of the irrigation system and grass planting currently underway.

The secretary 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,” he said.

The CS 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 reiterated the government’s commitment and readiness to successfully host the continental tournament.