- The Raila Odinga International Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000 people, is now more than 80 percent complete, marking an important step in the development of sports infrastructure in Kenya
- The General Secretaries led by Elijah Mwangi inspected the area, confirming the government’s readiness to host AFCON next year through a coordinated multi-agency approach
- The stadium, which was formerly the Talent Stadium, will have modern facilities including a ceiling, the president’s pavilion, and 52 luxury sky boxes.
The government has announced that the International Stadium of Raila Odinga with a capacity of 60,000 people is now nearing completion, marking an important step in delivering the largest sports infrastructure project in Kenya since independence.
Source: Twitter
Speaking after a joint high-level inspection of the facility and other essential services within the stadium on Friday, January 23, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department of Sports, Elijah Mwangi, described the impressive progress of the construction of the modern stadium as a clear assurance from the government that the project will be completed on time and within the set deadlines.
Other secretaries who participated in the inspection visit include Patrick Mariru (Defence), Dr. Raymond Omollo (Home Affairs), and Stephen Isaboke (Publicity and Communications).
The Government Departments of Roads, Water, Transport, and Energy were also represented, along with senior officers from the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF).
“This is proof that we are on the way to implement this project. The government assures Kenyans that AFCON will be held and we have the equipment to implement the competition,” said PS Mwangi.
He further disclosed that Kenya expects senior delegations and inspection teams from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to begin visiting the country to assess the state of infrastructure ahead of the AFCON tournament.
How the government prepared for the 2027 AFCON
The Secretary General emphasized that successfully organizing a tournament of AFCON’s magnitude requires a Whole of Government Approach, with multi-agency teams working together to facilitate and coordinate the various interrelated activities that will ensure the success of the event.
He highlighted security, transport, roads, water, energy, and IT as among the key sectors that will play an important role in strengthening Kenya’s readiness to host the tournament.
The inspection involved a visit to the main stadium to assess the internal works as well as inspecting the external works to assess progress in the two main outdoor stadiums.
How far are the construction works at the Raila Odinga Stadium?
Secretary General Patrick Mariru (Defense) confirmed that the project is on track, with most of the critical structural works completed.
He explained that the 80% milestone represents the important work of building the large structures that support the façade and the terraces where the seats will be placed.
“The major work has been completed. That is more than 80 percent. The rest are works that can be done within a very short period of time,” he said.
He noted that ongoing activities include the installation of seats, the installation of a large screen, and the installation of lighting and sound systems.
Source: UGC
Congratulating the development, the Chief Secretary for Internal Affairs, Raymond Omollo noted that the cooperation of various organizations in providing a world-class stadium shows the government’s approach to enhance efficiency and increase results.
The Raila Odinga International Stadium, formerly known as the Talanta Stadium, has been designated as Kenya’s main venue for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Built for football and rugby, the main center will have a modern ceiling, a president’s pavilion, and 52 luxury sky boxes.
The construction of the stadium started early in 2024.
How the government collected money for the construction of the Raila Odinga Stadium
The government gave a guarantee to the Sports Fund to finance the construction of the center with a capacity of 60,000 people.
Last July, the President William Ruto managed the listing of securities on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), with the aim of generating resources for the development of the modern facility.
Through the capital market, the government hopes to collect at least KSh 44 billion, with payments scheduled over a period of 15 years.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
