In a bold move, President William Ruto announced 25 new stadiums across Kenya ahead of AFCON 2027. This infrastructure push is part of preparations to co-host the tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.
Moreover, speaking at a State House luncheon with Harambee Stars players on August 28, 2025, he emphasised that the new stadiums would complement ongoing upgrades at Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadiums.
“We are building facilities that will serve athletes and communities alike for generations,” he said. The Head of State also highlighted the installation of a new canopy at Nyayo Stadium, signaling Kenya’s commitment to delivering world-class venues.
AFCON 2027 stadium project fact sheet
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Number of new stadiums: 25 across the country.
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Major stadiums under construction: Talanta Sports City Stadium (Nairobi), Eliud Kipchoge Stadium (Kapsabet), Bukhungu Stadium (Kakamega), Raila Odinga Stadium (Homa Bay), Bungoma Stadium, Kitui Stadium.
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Capacity: Talanta Sports City – 60,000 seats; Ruring’u Stadium (Nyeri) upgraded to 15,000 seats; Kilifi Stadium – 10,000 seats.
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Project cost: Talanta Sports City – Ksh44.79 billion; Kilifi Stadium – Ksh800 million; Ruring’u Stadium – Ksh750–800 million.
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Construction partners: China Road and Bridge Corporation (Talanta), Kenya Defence Forces (Ruring’u), county governments in partnership with national government (Kilifi, Murang’a).
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Completion timelines: Talanta Sports City – December 2025; Ruring’u Stadium – 8–12 months; Kilifi Stadium – within current financial year.
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Funding mechanisms: Infrastructure bond raising Ksh44.79 billion (Talanta), county and national budget allocations, and the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund.
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Stadium features: CAF/FIFA-compliant pitches, canopies, VIP and VVIP seating, athletics tracks, modern changing rooms, restaurants, sports shops, and youth sports academies.
Kenya’s preparations are a response to historical setbacks in hosting major tournaments due to inadequate infrastructure. With less than two years to go before AFCON qualifiers begin, the government is racing against time to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.
“By the way, the process of raising our team for AFCON 2027 begins today,” President Ruto said, noting that investments would also target player development and grassroots sports.
Stadiums under construction
The flagship Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi has received a major financial boost through a Ksh44.79 billion infrastructure bond issued by the government. Oversubscription of the bond, with applications totaling Ksh44.875 billion, reflects strong investor confidence in the project.
The stadium, designed for 60,000 spectators, will host football and rugby matches, with adjacent athletics facilities. Construction is being undertaken by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under a public-private partnership, with oversight from the Kenya Defence Forces Engineering Department.
Beyond Nairobi, counties such as Kilifi, Murang’a, and Nyeri are seeing significant stadium upgrades. The Uwanja wa Water Stadium in Kilifi town, a 10,000-seater facility, will be completed with Ksh800 million invested by the national and county governments.
Nairobi will also benefit from a modern Joe Kadenge stadium, formerly City Satdium, targeting talent development and economic growth.
In Nyeri, the Ruring’u Stadium is undergoing a multi-agency upgrade from its original 2,000-seat design to a 15,000-seater model, ensuring it meets CAF standards. The Kenya Defence Forces and new contractors are spearheading the construction, with completion expected within 8–12 months.
The government emphasises that these projects go beyond sports, boosting economic growth and empowering youth. Moreover, construction is creating local jobs while the new facilities will host academies to nurture grassroots talent.
Upgrades and funding keep projects on track
To address stalled projects, the government has authorized securitization of the fund, while engaging private partnerships and county governments to ensure stadium construction stays on track.
Renovations are also underway at Kenya’s major national stadiums. Kasarani Stadium has already received roofing, VIP upgrades, and improved floodlights in preparation for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Nyayo National Stadium is set to receive a canopy and other enhancements. These improvements are crucial for Kenya to maintain CAF/FIFA compliance and avoid sanctions for non-compliant facilities.
The 2027 AFCON preparations signal a milestone for Kenya’s sports infrastructure.
