Raila Odinga International Stadium Reaches 93% Completion Ahead of AFCON 2027

The Raila Odinga International Stadium is now more than 93 percent complete, according to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who inspected the facility this week.

The 60,000-seat stadium is being prepared as one of Kenya’s main venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Mvurya said the progress was substantial and that the government remained confident the project would be completed on time.

The main pitch has been installed, while several major systems have been tested. Giant LED screens, ring lighting and a modern sound system are already in place, with engineers continuing to work on finishing details.

The cost of the project has risen to about Sh45.8 billion. Mvurya defended the investment, saying Kenya needs modern facilities that can host football, cultural events and youth activities. He noted that the country had not built a stadium of this scale since Kasarani was completed in 1987.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has been involved in inspections and has recommended changes to some areas of the stadium, including the presidential pavilion. Mvurya said technical teams were preparing designs to meet CAF requirements, with the cost of the modifications to be established after the assessments.

Security and spectator management systems are also being upgraded. Sixty of the planned 91 turnstiles have been installed, while work continues on the skyboxes, landscaping and external facilities.

Three training grounds within the wider complex are also at different stages of completion. Supporting infrastructure includes a dedicated power substation, feeder roads and a planned railway station intended to improve access for spectators.

The complex will also include a musical aquatic fountain and façade lighting. The government says the wider development is intended to provide facilities that can be used beyond the AFCON tournament.

Mvurya said the stadium could host its first matches as early as November or December, ahead of the tournament. He said staging matches before AFCON would allow organisers to test the facility and address any operational problems.

During his inspection of Talanta Stadium on 19 August, Mvurya said the venue was 94 percent complete, with only final works remaining. The government is also preparing a roadmap for Harambee Stars ahead of the tournament. Mvurya said the technical team had been tasked with developing a strategy to ensure Kenya’s national team is competitive and capable of challenging for the title.

The preparations include both major stadium projects and supporting infrastructure intended to ensure Kenya is ready to host the continental tournament and make use of the facilities after AFCON.