President Ruto provides update over progress of Talanta Sports City ahead of AFCON 2027

President Ruto provides update over progress of Talanta Sports City ahead of AFCON 2027

Mark Kinyanjui 12:30 - 31.07.2024

The president visited the Talanta Sports City construction site on Tuesday afternoon and has provided positive update over its progress.

The construction of the Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi is progressing well ahead of its 2025 completion deadline, President William Ruto has assured.

During an inspection of the construction site at the Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road on Tuesday afternoon, the President expressed confidence that the facility would be completed before the end of next year, in readiness to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.

This visit marks President Ruto’s second visit to the site, following the groundbreaking ceremony in February. Based on his observations, he concluded that the sports facility is on track for early completion.

“I have come here today to inspect the progress of the construction works of this stadium. We will employ more people to ensure the work is completed before the end of next year,” President Ruto said, as quoted by Citizen Digital.

The Talanta Sports Stadium is set to become a landmark venue for the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It will also serve as the venue for the tournament’s opening and closing ceremonies.

This ambitious project is expected to redefine Kenya's sporting profile and provide a significant infrastructural upgrade for Nairobi City and the nation as a whole. The President emphasized that the stadium will be an iconic facility that enhances Kenya’s status on the continental sports stage.

In addition to the Talanta Sports Stadium, other venues in Kenya expected to host AFCON matches include the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the Nyayo Stadium.

 In Tanzania, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and CCM Kirumba Stadium are also tentatively slated to host matches. Uganda, the third co-host, is expected to host games at the Mandela and Nakivubo stadiums.

Kenya is the only country among the trio that has embarked on building a new stadium specifically for the football extravaganza. While the cost of constructing the Talanta Sports Stadium has not been officially disclosed, it is expected to exceed Ksh 30 billion.

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