Talanta Sports City is Kenya’s flagship sports infrastructure project, a 60,000-seat international stadium being built at Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road in Nairobi. Officially known as the Raila Odinga International Stadium, the facility is Kenya’s first new international-standard stadium to be built in nearly four decades—since the completion of Kasarani Stadium in 1987.

The project was awarded in May 2024 at a contract sum of USD 344.5 million (KSh45.8 billion) and broke ground in March 2024. The government has since approved financing of KSh350 billion, though the total contract value stands at KSh458 billion, leaving a funding gap of approximately KSh108 billion.

As of late June 2026, the project had surpassed 91 per cent completion, with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirming that the government remains firmly on course to deliver the facility by the end of July. The stadium is being built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) with round-the-clock construction and close supervision by personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Multiple official sources have confirmed that the main works inside Talanta Stadium and part of the auxiliary infrastructure are expected to be completed by the end of July 2026. Sports CS Mvurya stated: “We are monitoring progress closely so that by the end of July, the main works inside the stadium and part of the auxiliary works should have been completed.”

The playing surface has been laid and is being carefully maintained. Automated sprinkler systems are working around the clock to ensure the turf receives the exact irrigation required for uniform growth. The grass has emerged well, and teams are monitoring it to ensure it meets Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. Ground crews have already mapped out and excavated the precise anchoring points for goal post installation.

A major milestone in recent weeks has been the ongoing installation of VVIP seats. Close-up images show rows of plush, ergonomic red chairs being unboxed and securely mounted, complete with cushioned backrests and built-in cup holders. The seats remain partially wrapped in protective plastic film to ensure they stay pristine as interior finishing wraps up.

Three training grounds are being developed within the Talanta Sports City complex. Two were handed over to contractors on June 24, 2026, and are expected to be completed within two months. The third training ground is already progressing well, with grass planted and additional athletics facilities, including tartan tracks, planned for the sites. The three training pitches are currently at 87 per cent completion.

A one-million-litre water tank has already been installed. Work on roads, drainage systems, and the perimeter wall is ongoing. Landscaping and other finishing works are also underway.

On June 30, 2026, the government declared Talanta Sports City a protected area, barring members of the public from accessing the facility without prior approval from the relevant authorities. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen invoked Section 3(1) of the Protected Areas Act to designate the stadium as a protected area.

On July 7, 2026, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki conducted a dawn inspection tour of the nearly complete stadium. He described the facility as “awesome in size and beautiful to behold” and confirmed it is “near ready.”Kindiki noted that the project marks a historic milestone as Kenya’s first international stadium in almost four decades. He praised the workers, describing them as nation-builders “building the nation, literally, with their hands and labour.”

NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026

The magnificent 60,000 seater Talanta Sports City along Ngong Road, Nairobi, is near ready.

Awesome in size and beautiful to behold , this is the first international stadium to be built in this Country since the completion of… pic.twitter.com/qOBV4PPjMe

— Kithure Kindiki (@_KithureKindiki) July 7, 2026

Key Facts at a Glance

A report by the Auditor-General raised concerns about payment delays. As of June 1, 2025, when the project was 44.54% complete, only 4.5% (KSh20 billion) of the contract amount had been paid.Late payments accrue interest at the Central Bank Rate plus 3%, which could drive up the total project cost. Additionally, the government approved financing of KSh350 billion against a contract value of KSh458 billion, leaving a funding gap of approximately KSh108 billion.

President William Ruto has announced that the government will build 28 more stadiums of similar capacity and standards to Talanta Stadium as part of efforts to expand sports infrastructure across the country. Speaking during an inspection tour, Ruto stated: “That Talanta Stadium, we are building 28 more. In fact today, I was with the people of Turkana—even in Lodwar—we are building a stadium.”

Deputy President Kindiki further revealed that, including Talanta, 31 stadiums are being built simultaneously across Kenya. This represents the most extensive sports infrastructure development programme ever initiated in the country since independence.

Talanta Stadium is among the facilities earmarked to host matches during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania. A CAF technical officer is already stationed in Nairobi to monitor progress and provide regular reports. The AFCON Local Organising Committee (LOC), chaired by Nicholas Musonye, is also stationed on-site.

President Ruto has formally invited Arsenal Football Club to visit Kenya, with Talanta Stadium mentioned as a possible venue for marquee international friendlies. While no fixture or date has been confirmed, a visit would place Kenya alongside other African nations that have hosted Premier League royalty in recent years.

The Talanta Sports City project represents a watershed moment for Kenyan sports infrastructure. With completion just weeks away, the stadium is poised to become a flagship venue for international sporting events and a lasting legacy of the country’s ambitious development agenda