Kenya Cabinet approves construction of new 60,000 stadium for AFCON

An artistic impression of the Talanta Stadium when finished | Photo Credit: Print

FOOTBALL Kenya Cabinet approves construction of new 60,000 stadium for AFCON

Shafic Kiyaga • 20:40 - 03.10.2023

The facility is expected to be the 'Talanta Sports City' at Jamhuri, which was included under the bid among the new stadiums that will be constructed.

President William Ruto's cabinet has given the green light to the construction of a new 60,000-capacity stadium in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.

The facility is expected to be the 'Talanta Sports City' at Jamhuri, which was included under the bid among the new stadiums that will be constructed.

The Pulse eSports independence Cup is set to take place on 9th October 2023

This significant development follows Kenya's triumphant joint bid with Uganda and Tanzania, coined the ‘Pamoja bid’ to host the tournament.

This win earmarked Kenya's promise to uplift its sports infrastructure in readiness for the esteemed Continental Cup.

"The Cabinet endorsed the construction of a new 60,000-capacity stadium in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027," a statement from State House read.

Kenya had submitted a joint bid together with Uganda and Tanzania which beat bids from Botswana, Senegal and Egypt.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has entrusted the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) with the crucial task of renovating and constructing four key stadiums.

These stadiums include the iconic 30,000-seater Nyayo Stadium, the 60,000-seater Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani and the Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

Kenya's decision to engage the KDF in this monumental project stems from the military's commendable achievement in constructing the 10,000-seater Ulinzi Sports Complex in record time.

The Ulinzi Sports Complex project kicked off in October 2022.

President William Ruto has also voiced his confidence in elevating Kenyan football and highlighted the government's commitment to an overarching sports development plan.

The aim is to enhance the monetization and commercialization of sporting talents, with the ultimate goal of restoring Kenyan football to global prominence.

Neighbours Tanzania is echoing Kenya's ambitious stride, unveiling plans to construct new stadiums in the run-up to the 2027 AFCON.