NAIROBI, Kenya – The government is set to spend Kshs.44.7 billion on constructing the Talanta Sports Complex, according to the Ministry of Defense.
Defense CS Hon. Soipan Tuya informed the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture that Kshs.2 billion has already been paid to the Chinese firm contracted to build the stadium.
“The new Stadium is at 37 per cent complete and it is expected to be completed by 28th February 2026,” she said.
CS Tuya appeared before the Committee to update Members on the status of projects led by the State Department in preparation for the AFCON and CHAN Championships.
She explained that Kshs.3.6 billion will be used to fund the first phase of rehabilitating Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, the venue set to host the CHAN football bonanza in August this year.
“Phase two of changing the status of Kasarani will cost another Kshs.3.1 billion to make the facility eligible to host AFCON,” Tuya told the Committee.
During the sitting at the Bunge Tower, she noted that Kshs.1.1 billion is allocated for the ongoing renovations of Nyayo Stadium.
“Already Kshs. 200 million has been paid for the works done on the Stadium, another venue for CHAN,” said Tuya.
Another stadium earmarked to host CHAN is Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, which the CS said will consume more than Kshs.3.5 billion.
She further indicated that already Kshs.300 million has been spent on the stadium.
The CS told the Committee that the renovation of the Police Sacco Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex cost Kshs582 million and Kshs490 million respectively.
She noted that CAF recommended the upgrading of Police Sacco and Ulinzi Sports Complex so they can serve as training grounds for teams participating in the CHAN championship.
“Significant progress has been made on all the stadiums and we are confident of beating the deadline set by CAF,” she said.
The CS said hosting of the prestigious championship would come with many benefits alongside putting Kenya on the international map in the sporting arena.
“The hosting of AFCON championship is not only a national pride but has many economic benefits,” said the CS.
On vandalism of the stadium by fans, the CS pleaded with football supporters to be responsible during matches, noting that destruction of the facilities was costly to the taxpayer.
“The host country has the privilege of taking part in the championship and therefore a motivation to our football players and entertain fans who will turn up to watch football greats in Africa,” she said.
MP Wanyama assured the ministry that the Committee will push for the availability of funds to facilitate smooth completion of the facilities ahead of the championships.
“We appreciate the value the championships will bring to Kenya and the Committee will do it’s best to ensure stable flow of funds for the projects,” said the Webuye West MP.
Suba South MP Hon Caroli Omondi said medical facilities should be considered in the construction work, noting that they were critical.
A Busia County MP added that the government should ensure the contractor installs adequate water storage facilities to serve the stadiums.
The Committee also met with Athletics Kenya leadership to shed light on steps being taken to develop the sport and address the welfare of athletes.
