President Ruto to commission Talanta Stadium for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

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FOOTBALL President Ruto to commission Talanta Stadium for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

Festus Chuma 07:34 - 01.03.2024

President William Ruto is set to initiate the construction of the Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

President William Ruto is set to inaugurate the construction of the Talanta Sports City Stadium at the Jamhuri Showground on Friday morning.

This groundbreaking event paves the way for the creation of a football-centric facility that stands as one of the key venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Initially considered for relocation to Shanzu, Mombasa, the decision to anchor the stadium in the nation's capital underscores thegovernment's commitment to enhancing Nairobi's stature as a regional sporting hub. 

The Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS), Ababu Namwamba, in a briefing to the National Assembly Committee on Sports, highlighted the ambitious plans for the stadium. 

The facility is set to be a 60,000-seater, conforming to modern architectural and functional standards, with completion anticipated within 18 months.

The Talanta Sports City Stadium is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, offering ample preparation time ahead of the AFCON 2027 spectacle. 

This event will be historic as Kenya joins hands with Uganda and Tanzania in the Pamoja Bid, a collaborative effort to co-host the prestigious tournament.

The project received a nod of approval in October 2023 when the Cabinet endorsed its construction as part of Kenya's commitment to hosting the 38th edition of the AFCON. 

The visit earlier this week by CS Namwamba, PS Peter Tum, and other key figures from the ministry and Sports Kenya, alongside the contractors, was a crucial step in reviewing the comprehensive plan for the stadium's development.

President Ruto, in December, reassured the nation of the government's dedication to not only hosting a successful AFCON in 2027 but also to the broader agenda of revamping the country's sports facilities. 

This includes the ongoing renovations at Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia and the development of the new Talanta Stadium. 

The Kenya Defence Forces have been tasked with overseeing this monumental project, alongside their involvement in the refurbishment of Moi Kasarani Stadium and the development of Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

While the total budget for the Talanta Sports City Stadium is yet to be disclosed, the government assures that the costing process is underway, with details to be provided in due course.

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