AFCON 2027: Talanta Stadium nears deadline as MPs raise fresh concerns over roads, security

The new Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium in Nairobi is 94 per cent complete, but questions remain over whether the infrastructure surrounding the venue will be ready when Kenya co-hosts the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee inspected the 60,000-seater facility on Thursday as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania step up preparations for the tournament, which will run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

The Ministry of Defence, which is overseeing construction, told the Committee that the project remains on course to meet the December 31 deadline set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Main stadium works are 95 per cent complete, while outdoor training facilities are 92 per cent finished and external works stand at 93 per cent.

However, MPs shifted attention beyond the impressive construction figures, demanding clarity on roads, crowd movement, security, medical preparedness, water supply and compliance with CAF requirements.

MPs demand answers on access and safety

Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna questioned whether the road network around the stadium would cope with thousands of supporters arriving and leaving at the same time.

“We need to know how access to the stadium will be managed, particularly when large crowds are coming in and leaving at the same time,” Nguna said.

He also asked about measures to protect the playing surface and the capacity of nearby hospitals to respond to emergencies involving players, officials and spectators.

“We also need clarity on the medical facilities available around the stadium and whether they will be sufficient to respond to emergencies during the tournament,” he said.

Turbo MP Janet Sitienei, meanwhile, sought assurances that the stadium and training venues would satisfy CAF’s requirements.

“We need to be assured that the stadium and the training facilities meet all the CAF standards and that there are no outstanding requirements that could affect Kenya’s preparations,” Sitienei said.

She also raised concerns about water supply and called for AFCON 2027 to be used to promote sports tourism and deliver benefits beyond the tournament.

Transport plans take shape

Sports Kenya Director-General Timothy Kilimo said road improvement works serving the stadium had already begun, with completion targeted for April.

“The road works have already commenced, and we are targeting completion in April,” Kilimo said.

Internal access roads are also being constructed, while authorities have drawn up plans to separate pedestrian and vehicular movement around the facility.

Seven drop-off points have been designated, with a railway terminus being built next to the stadium expected to provide another transport option during major events.

On healthcare, officials said CAF had inspected and approved hospitals located near the venue.

Project architect Major Engineer Victor King’e said the stadium itself would have medical centres on every floor, alongside a larger ground-floor facility for emergencies and anti-doping procedures.

“The stadium has been designed with medical centres on every floor, while the main medical facility on the ground floor will cater for emergencies and anti-doping requirements,” King’e said.

Stadium cost rises to Sh45.8bn

The project’s financial requirements have also increased significantly, with the cost now estimated at Sh45.8 billion, up from the initial Sh35 billion budget.

The Committee was told that taxes and other implementation-related costs were largely responsible for the increase.

Water security will be supported by a one-million-litre auxiliary tank, two 60,000-litre backup tanks and two boreholes connected to the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company network.

The stadium will also have eight generators capable of supplying the 16-kilovolt power required at full capacity, while solar installations will support some external infrastructure, including street lighting.

FKF, security and weather under scrutiny

The Committee also questioned whether disputes within Football Kenya Federation (FKF) could affect preparations.

“Is there any potential threat from FKF that could undermine this great event that we have planned?” Suba South MP Caroli Omondi asked.

MPs further sought assurances over security and the potential impact of heavy rains on the stadium and surrounding infrastructure.

Sports Kenya said 210 hotels had applied to accommodate teams, officials and visitors, with all meeting the required qualification standards. Authorities will now select the establishments to be used during the tournament.

After construction, the stadium will undergo about three months of testing and commissioning before handover.

Sports Kenya is also developing a commercialisation policy covering naming rights, concerts and other major events.

“We are developing a commercialisation policy that will provide a framework for activities such as naming rights, concerts and other major events,” Kilimo said.

The Committee will next inspect the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the other main Kenyan venue for AFCON 2027, to assess renovation progress and preparations.