Infrastructure

Talanta Stadium’s Sh45bn Price Tag Sparks Debate

MPs question the government’s ability to fund sports infrastructure.

Updated on

April 16, 2025

The construction of Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi, set to be the largest football venue in Kenya, will cost a staggering Sh44.7 billion, it has been revealed.

This was disclosed last week during a presentation to the National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya.

The 60,000-seat Talanta Sports City Stadium, which is coming up at Jamhuri Park on Lang’ata Road, will be among the key venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The project, which commenced in March 2024, is scheduled for completion in February 2026. Although 37% of the work is complete, only 5% of the cost has been paid—mirroring disparities in other projects like Nyayo Stadium, where 70% of work is done but just 19% has been paid, officials disclosed.

“These payment delays are a growing concern,” said Caroli Omondi, MP for South Suba. “Who will bear the cost of contractors pre-financing these projects? Using their own funds or bank loans to fund work comes at a price.”

Dan Wanyama, the Chairman of the Committee on Sports and Culture, echoed these concerns, urging the Ministry of Defence to clarify the situation.

Patrick Mariru, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, responded, saying that contractors were only convinced to continue after significant persuasion due to delayed payments.

“Securing funding for these projects has not been easy, but we are committed to completing them without increasing costs,” Mariru assured the committee. “The Ministry of Sports is working on securing resources to ensure the projects are completed as planned.”

Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya addressed the underlying issue of payment delays, explaining that the government was in the process of securitising the Sports Fund, a measure expected to release the necessary funds to facilitate the contractors.

“Once this process is complete, there will be a flow of money to allow contractors to complete the work,” Tuya explained.

The Talanta Sports City Stadium is one of several sports facilities undergoing refurbishment as part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 AFCON. Other key venues being upgraded include Nyayo National Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani, and the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

With the construction of the stadium now under way, the government aims to complete the project by February next year. This goal highlights the government’s commitment to modernising Kenya’s sports infrastructure in preparation for international sporting events.

Once finished, the Talanta Sports City Stadium will not only serve as Kenya’s largest sports venue but will also symbolise the nation’s growing role in hosting international events.

“The stadium will be a landmark achievement, positioning Kenya as a leading destination for global sports events,” Tuya concluded.