NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has toured the construction site of the Talanta Sports City stadium in Nairobi and highlighted steady progress on the country’s flagship sports infrastructure project.
In a video shared on social media on Saturday, Ruto walked through the stadium grounds and showcased ongoing works, describing the facility as “hii ni noma sana, mtapenda” — a powerful and attractive stadium that Kenyans will love.
The remarks came as the government continues to defend the project amid scrutiny over construction timelines and government spending.
Ruto told the camera that while critics focused on doubts or alleged mismanagement elsewhere, the government remained focused on delivering tangible results.
“Look, see for yourselves, Talanta Stadium is right here… Now look, see for yourselves, Talanta Stadium is right here,” he said.
The stadium, a 60,000‑seat facility being built at Jamhuri Sports Grounds, is part of Kenya’s preparation to host major matches during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Kenya will co‑host with Uganda and Tanzania.
It is slated for handover in March 2026, with completion planned ahead of the continental tournament.
Interior structural elements, seating installation, pitch preparation and broadcast facilities are all reported to be advancing steadily as the project moves into its final construction phases.
The stadium project has attracted political and public attention in recent months.
In December 2025, Ruto approved renaming the Talanta Stadium to Raila Odinga International Stadium in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, drawing praise from his former political rivals and commentators alike.
The decision was welcomed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as a unifying gesture to honour Odinga’s legacy.
The Talanta Sports City stadium is being built by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and represents one of Kenya’s most ambitious sports infrastructure initiatives in decades.
Government data has shown that it is the first purpose‑built international stadium project of its kind in over 40 years, expected to bolster Kenya’s sports profile and serve as a catalyst for youth engagement and talent development.
The facility will also include world‑class amenities such as modern player facilities, media centres, and hospitality suites, and is expected to feature in high‑profile events beyond AFCON 2027.
Ruto’s site visit reflects the administration’s insistence that the project will be completed on schedule and that Kenya is ready to host regional and continental football events while simultaneously nurturing local talent at home.
