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Talanta Sports City: Kenya's Legacy Project for AFCON 2027 and Beyond
Gerald Kombo
January 23, 2025
The Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, EGH, visited Talanta Sports City on Thursday, January 23, 2025, to inspect the progress of construction for what is expected to become one of Africa’s premier sports and entertainment facilities. The visit highlighted the government’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and showcased the broader socio-economic impact of this transformative project.
Talanta Sports City, spanning 45.64 hectares in the southwest of Nairobi, is strategically located for easy accessibility and surrounded by a scenic forested landscape. The stadium is designed to become a landmark development that will elevate Kenya's position in global sports and entertainment. It incorporates cultural elements such as shields, spears, and Maasai motifs, reflecting Kenya’s rich heritage while meeting international standards.
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Mvurya emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed about the project’s progress:
We would like to continue to work with you, the members of the Fourth Estate, because the projects that we are doing to improve the sports infrastructure in our country are very, very important. When we work together with you, we’ll be able to keep Kenyans updated on what is happening.
Progress and Timeline
Designed to host key matches and the opening ceremony of the 2027 AFCON, the stadium is on track for completion by December 2025. It will boast a seating capacity of 60,000 and accommodate both football and rugby. Hon. Mvurya confirmed the project’s adherence to schedule:
Today, I have visited this stadium to reconfirm that the work is ongoing. This piece of infrastructure is historical and will be excellent by the end. From the briefing and what I have seen, we are on schedule to achieve completion by December this year so we can be ready for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The project is a multi-tasked endeavor, with progress visible across various sections, including terraces, VIP areas, and support facilities. Hon. Mvurya assured the public that the Ministry of Defense, which has deployed a team for daily supervision, is closely monitoring construction.
Technical Features and Construction Details
The Talanta Sports City project is a marvel of engineering and design, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and materials to ensure durability, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Key features include:
Construction Area:
The total built-up area is 98,150 square meters, with a maximum height of 56 meters.
Facilities include the main stadium, outdoor training fields, landscaped areas, and auxiliary spaces.
Roof and Structural Design:
The stadium features a large-span cable and beam system, a design widely used in modern stadiums globally.
This system is energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and visually striking while maintaining structural integrity.
Steel and Aluminum Integration:
The structure incorporates approximately 10,000 tons of steel.
Complex curved aluminum consoles, standing 50 meters high, are being assembled using advanced 3D modeling and simulation techniques to ensure precision.
Specialized Sports Facilities:
The stadium includes top-tier sports facilities and floodlighting, meeting international standards for hosting world-class events.
Sustainability and Efficiency
The project prioritizes sustainability through the use of energy-efficient materials and environmentally friendly construction practices. Advanced digital technologies streamline the building process, minimizing delays and cost overruns. Hon. Mvurya underscored the broader employment benefits:
Even here, we have over 2,000 youths engaged in this project, and they will continue until completion. This has created significant employment opportunities for Kenyans during this period
Ongoing Inspections Across Kenya
Beyond Talanta Sports City, the government is fast-tracking preparations at other stadiums, including Kasarani, Kipchoge Keino, and Bukhungu Stadiums, to ensure readiness for AFCON. Hon. Mvurya provided updates:
At Kasarani, lights have been fixed, and the field has regenerated very well. In Kipchoge Keino, we are reinstating the contractor and processing payments to ensure the ground is ready as both a main venue and training ground. For Bukhungu, we have reassessed the work and designs and will soon finalize the contractor’s engagement for completion.
Challenges and Maintenance
Hon. Mvurya acknowledged the challenges of maintaining sports infrastructure and emphasized the need for a clear strategy:
Building the infrastructure is one thing, but maintaining it is another. We will be coming back to you with a clear strategy on how this and other infrastructure in the country will be managed and maintained. We’ll ensure there is a good framework for sustainability and periodically update Kenyans.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Talanta Sports City is set to have a significant impact on Kenya’s socio-economic landscape. The facility will attract tourism, investment, and global recognition while serving as a training ground for Kenya’s sports talent. Hon. Mvurya emphasized its importance:
This is a legacy project for His Excellency the President and for our youth. It is being built to international standards and will be the first of its kind in Kenya.
The stadium’s multi-purpose nature ensures it will be used for football, rugby, concerts, and community events, solidifying its role as a cultural and economic engine.
Talanta Sports City is more represents Kenya’s ambition to lead in sports, culture, and entertainment in Africa. With over 2,000 workers engaged and a firm completion timeline, the project is a testament to the government’s dedication to excellence.
Hon. Mvurya’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and delivering on Kenya’s promise to host a world-class 2027 AFCON. He concluded:
This is good work, and we’ll continue to monitor. Periodically, we’ll invite you to join us in tracking progress and ensuring Kenyans remain informed about this transformative initiative.