NAIROBI, Kenya- The government has intensified investment in sports infrastructure under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with the construction of the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium — recently renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium — progressing steadily as Kenya prepares to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo said the project reflects a deliberate strategy to use world-class sports facilities to unlock youth talent, create employment, and drive economic growth, while positioning Kenya as a key player in African football.
Key external works at the stadium are progressing, with the installation of the stadium emblem completed and interior canopy works nearing completion.
The playing surface is being precisely levelled to meet international football standards, ensuring the venue will be ready for elite competition.
A defining feature of the Raila Odinga International Stadium is its state-of-the-art, fully computerized hydraulic tension cable roof-lifting system, a sophisticated engineering innovation found in only four other stadiums worldwide.
The system underscores Kenya’s ambition to deliver a facility that meets global infrastructure standards.
Once completed, the stadium will feature seven modern changing rooms, VIP lounges, fully equipped media centres, and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booths integrated with goal-line technology, enabling seamless operations for high-profile matches.
Dr Omollo highlighted that the stadium will strengthen talent identification and development pathways for young athletes, providing access to world-class training and competition environments.
He said the investment aligns with the broader BETA objective of empowering youth through sports and the creative economy.
While AFCON 2025 is currently underway in Morocco, Kenya is actively preparing to host its edition in 2027.
The Raila Odinga International Stadium is among the venues earmarked to stage matches, forming part of comprehensive infrastructure, security, and operational planning for the tournament.
Talent development, particularly among the youth, is central to the realization of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).To unlock this potential, the Government is deliberately investing in world-class sports infrastructure.The ongoing construction of the
The renaming of the stadium honours the late Raila Odinga, recognising his enduring contribution to Kenya’s political and democratic journey, while positioning the facility as a national symbol of unity, ambition, and progress.
As construction advances on schedule, the Raila Odinga International Stadium is set to emerge as a premier continental venue, reinforcing Kenya’s role at the heart of elite African football and supporting youth-driven talent development.
