Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam to headline Raila Odinga Stadium opening in Nairobi

German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch powerhouse Ajax Amsterdam will headline the opening of Kenya’s new 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium when they meet in a high-profile friendly on January 5, 2027.

Kenyan President William Ruto announced the fixture in a recorded address broadcast on Wednesday, confirming that the European clubs would inaugurate the facility along Ngong Road as the country intensifies preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“Come January 5, 2027, we will open this new modern historic match between two giants of European football, FC Bayern of Germany and AFC Ajax of Amsterdam,” Ruto said.

The match is expected to provide a major attraction for Kenyan football fans while showcasing the new stadium ahead of the continental tournament, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Ruto fulfils world-class stadium promise

Ruto described the facility as a significant investment in Kenya’s sporting infrastructure, recalling his promise to deliver a modern venue capable of hosting leading international teams.

“Two years ago, I promised the people of Kenya a world-class stadium where the greatest teams in the world would come and play. Today, we are keeping that promise,” he said.

According to the President, construction began in March 2024 despite doubts about whether the government could complete a project of that scale within the planned timeframe.

He said the stadium had transformed Nairobi’s skyline, highlighting its 60,000-seat capacity and the development of the site, which was previously open ground along Ngong Road.

“This is Kenya’s first purpose-built football and rugby stadium, and the first international stadium our nation has built since Kasarani in 1987, nearly 40 years ago,” Ruto said.

The facility features a hybrid playing surface, 52 sky boxes and modern match technology, including video assistant refereeing (VAR) and goal-line technology.

These features are expected to help the venue meet the standards required to host major international fixtures as Kenya prepares to stage matches at the 2027 AFCON.

Bayern and Ajax to launch AFCON 2027 venue

The choice of Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam brings two of European football’s established clubs to Nairobi for the stadium’s opening.

Bayern, one of Germany’s most successful clubs, and Ajax, renowned for their youth development system, will provide the headline attraction for the January fixture.

Ruto also highlighted the connection between Ajax’s philosophy of developing young players and the stadium’s original name, Talanta, a Swahili word meaning talent.

The match will form part of Kenya’s broader preparations to deliver a successful AFCON alongside regional co-hosts Uganda and Tanzania.

Raila Odinga International Stadium, also known as Talanta Stadium, is among the key facilities being prepared for the tournament. The government has indicated that the venue will host major matches as Kenya works to satisfy the Confederation of African Football’s requirements.

The January encounter will therefore offer an opportunity to showcase the stadium before the continent’s national teams arrive for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Stadium honours Raila Odinga

Ruto also explained the decision to name the facility after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, linking the tribute to his passion for football.

The President said Odinga loved the sport and enjoyed watching matches alongside fellow supporters, making the stadium a fitting memorial to his connection with the game.

With the Bayern Munich-Ajax Amsterdam friendly scheduled for January 5, 2027, attention will now turn to the final preparations for the opening and Kenya’s wider efforts to ensure the country is ready for AFCON 2027.

The fixture will mark a significant milestone for Kenyan football, with the new stadium set to welcome two prominent European clubs before becoming one of the venues for Africa’s flagship international tournament.