Kenya could host its first football match at Talanta Stadium as early as November or December, as the government moves to complete preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sports and Entertainment Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya gave the update on Wednesday, August 19, during an inspection of the stadium. He said the facility could host opening matches before the continental tournament officially begins, allowing organisers to assess its readiness.
“We could have opening matches anytime in November or December, and we can play matches even before we host AFCON,” Mvurya said.
The Cabinet Secretary explained that using the stadium before AFCON 2027 would provide an opportunity to test different systems and identify areas that may require improvement. This would allow organisers to deal with challenges before the tournament begins.
The inspection showed that Talanta Stadium is now 94 per cent complete, with most of the remaining work involving final touches. The main playing pitch is ready and is awaiting stitching, while the two remaining training facilities are 50 per cent and 40 per cent complete respectively.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also continued inspecting facilities that will be used during the tournament. Mvurya said Kenya had received positive ratings from CAF, although discussions are still ongoing over some of the works required to meet all tournament standards.
Work has also continued on systems aimed at improving security and managing spectators. Sixty of the planned 91 turnstiles have been completed, while construction and preparation of skyboxes and media facilities are also ongoing.
Mvurya said preparations for AFCON 2027 are not only focused on stadiums and other physical facilities. The football technical team is expected to prepare a roadmap aimed at improving the national team, Harambee Stars, ahead of the tournament.
He said the government wants the team to be properly prepared and called for support from Kenyans and the private sector as the country prepares for the major football event.
The ministry is also working on supporting infrastructure around the stadium and other tournament facilities. These projects include a railway connection, a dedicated power substation and feeder roads.
Kenya is preparing to co-host AFCON 2027 with Uganda and Tanzania. The planned early matches at Talanta Stadium would give organisers a chance to test the facility and related systems before the tournament gets underway.