Kenya has officially selected the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City (Jamhuri Grounds) and the 48,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, as its primary match venues for the AFCON.
Additionally, the Nyayo Stadium has been designated as an alternative ground. These stadiums are the centrepiece of Kenya’s preparations for the tournament, which will be co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania from June 19th to July 17th.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the facility, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, said the government had placed the full weight of its support behind the project to ensure timely delivery in line with CAF standards and international requirements.
Talanta Stadium is 91% complete
“This is a major facility for AFCON, and we have put the whole-of-government approach behind this project. We are confident that we will deliver it on time,” Mvurya told Flashscore.
Mvurya added: “Talanta Stadium is currently at 91% complete, with the government firmly on course to deliver the facility by the end of July.”
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the three training pitches within the Talanta Sports City complex are currently at 87% completion, with auxiliary works also progressing steadily.
“The three training pitches are also at 87% complete, while key final works including landscaping, lighting, fencing, and power connectivity, continue to progress steadily,” explained Mvurya.
“All CAF requirements and inspection recommendations continue to be incorporated concurrently throughout construction to guarantee compliance with international standards.”
At the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, Mvurya said renovation works that commenced a month ago remain on course, with installation of the irrigation system and grass planting currently underway.
“At MISC Kasarani, renovation works are also on course, with irrigation installation and grass planting currently underway,” offered Mvurya.
“We continue to put more effort towards the growing preparedness of Harambee Stars as we continue building a competitive national team ahead of AFCON 2027.
“Beyond hosting a successful tournament, Kenya is determined to showcase its football talent, national pride, and sporting excellence to the continent and the world.”
He added the contractor has incorporated all Confederation of African Football (CAF) recommendations and inspection requirements throughout the construction process to guarantee compliance with international standards.
“We made a deliberate technical decision to consistently and periodically engage CAF at every stage of construction to ensure there is no non-compliance. So far, we are progressing concurrently and satisfactorily,” he stated.
Pitch works at the main stadium are ongoing, with grass already planted and expected to fully mature within the next three months ahead of testing and stitching processes.
Final touches at the stadium, including installation of the water fountain, landscaping, lighting systems, perimeter fencing, and power connectivity, are also advancing steadily.
The Cabinet Secretary further revealed the government is engaged in consultations with CAF regarding the proposed installation of 61 skyboxes at Kasarani Stadium.
Kenya will not construct 61 skyboxes
According to Sports Kenya’s technical assessment, implementing the recommendation in its current form would significantly interfere with critical existing infrastructure and effectively turn the stadium into a fresh construction site, potentially affecting Kenya’s AFCON readiness timelines.
“The technical assessment by Sports Kenya indicates the construction of the 61 skyboxes would require major structural interference with already existing critical infrastructure at Kasarani,” said Mvurya.
“Reworking the stadium at this stage risks delaying Kenya’s readiness timelines, and therefore discussions with CAF are ongoing on this specific element.”
Mvurya commended the growing preparedness of the national team, Harambee Stars, noting AFCON 2027 presents Kenya with a unique opportunity not only to showcase its hosting capability, but also its sporting talent and national potential to the world.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment and readiness to successfully host the continental tournament. The 2027 AFCON will come after Morocco hosted the 2025 edition, which was widely praised as one of the best-organised in history.