Construction at Talanta Sports City, Nairobi’s flagship stadium for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, has now reached 61 per cent completion, the Government Delivery Unit (GDU) confirmed following a recent site review.
The 60,000-seat stadium is set to host football and rugby, complemented by major infrastructure including a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor along Ngong Road, a railway station for spectators, and a connecting route from the Southern Bypass to the Bomas International Conference Centre.
The inspection team was led by GDU Acting Head Sitati Olando and Nairobi Regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo, along with officials monitoring construction progress.
According to authorities, the main structural works are largely finished, and the project remains on track to meet deadlines in time for AFCON 2027.
Financing for the stadium comes through innovative channels, notably the Linzi 003 Infrastructure Asset-Backed Security, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), which raised over Sh44 billion.
President William Ruto described the funding as a breakthrough for market-driven infrastructure projects, adding that Talanta will be Kenya’s first purpose-built international sports venue since Moi Sports Centre Kasarani opened in 1987.
"With a 60,000-seater capacity, Talanta Sports City is not merely filling that long-standing gap; it is redefining the nation’s sporting landscape,” he said, highlighting the stadium’s role in nurturing talent and attracting global sporting events.
While the build progresses, some Members of Parliament have expressed concerns over the government’s plan to securitise the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) to generate more than Sh44 billion for the project. They cautioned that the approach could place a long-term burden on taxpayers.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture criticized the plan, citing insufficient transparency and public consultation. During a September 30 session with Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and National Treasury’s Director-General for Public Investment and Portfolio Management, Committee Chair Lawrence Bet sought details on the financing model and the use of SASDF funds for semi-autonomous government agencies (SAGAs).
Appearing on behalf of Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo, Bet stated that the plan had obtained approvals from the Treasury, Attorney General, and capital markets regulators.
He noted that the bond was officially listed on the NSE in July 2025.
“The financing model will spread repayment over 15 years at an interest rate of 7.93 per cent, with proceeds directed towards completing Talanta Sports City in time for AFCON 2027,” Bet said. Despite assurances, MPs voiced concerns about the potential long-term financial consequences.