Kenya is stepping up preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the new Talanta Stadium in Nairobi nearing completion and expected to host its first matches later this year.
The stadium, also known as the Raila Odinga International Stadium, is now about 94 percent complete, according to the latest inspection by Kenya’s Ministry of Sports. The remaining works largely involve final finishing, installation and preparation of facilities needed to meet tournament standards.
The main playing pitch is ready and awaiting stitching, while two additional training facilities are at approximately 50 percent and 40 percent completion, respectively.
Kenya plans to use matches ahead of AFCON 2027 to test the new stadium and its systems before the continental tournament. The early fixtures would provide an opportunity to identify and address operational challenges involving the pitch, security, crowd management, media operations and other match-day services.
The facility is also undergoing work on spectator and security infrastructure. Sixty of the planned 91 turnstiles have been completed, while development continues on skyboxes and media facilities.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has continued inspecting tournament facilities across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as preparations for the 2027 tournament progress. Kenya has received positive assessments while discussions continue over outstanding works required for full compliance.
Beyond the stadium itself, Kenya is developing supporting infrastructure intended to improve access to the venue and strengthen its readiness to host international football.
Planned improvements include a railway connection, a dedicated power substation and feeder roads, providing additional transport and infrastructure support around the stadium.
Talanta Stadium is expected to become one of the centrepieces of Kenya’s AFCON preparations, alongside existing and upgraded football facilities across the country.
Kenya will co-host AFCON 2027 with Uganda and Tanzania, making the tournament a major regional sporting project for East Africa.
With the first test matches potentially taking place in November or December, attention is now shifting from construction toward operational readiness as Kenya moves closer to welcoming Africa’s leading national teams in 2027.
