President Ruto announces construction on new arena in Nairobi
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 18.02.26. | 08:03
The move comes as the country readies the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga Stadium, a Ksh44.5 billion facility set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship from 19 June to 18 July
President William Ruto has announced that the government will soon commence construction of a modern, world-class arena in Nairobi, marking a significant boost to the country’s sporting infrastructure.
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The announcement was made at the State House, Nairobi, during the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Nairobi County government and the national government.
While the head of state did not reveal details on the arena’s capacity, exact location or construction costs, the declaration indicates that preparations will begin shortly after the completion of the Raila Odinga Stadium (formerly Talanta Stadium).
President Ruto: We must modernize this city. In a couple of months, we will roll out the construction of a new airport in Nairobi. We must raise our ambition; we can’t continue to make peace with mediocrity, it is unacceptable pic.twitter.com/eTVPcxJKP0
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) February 17, 2026
"We must modernise this city. We are delivering a world-class Talanta Stadium, building a world-class conference headquarters in Bomas, and soon we will begin the construction of a new arena in Nairobi in collaboration with the private sector," President Ruto said.
The move comes as the country readies the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga Stadium, a Ksh44.5 billion facility set to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship from 19 June to 18 July.
The new arena will complement several ongoing and planned sports infrastructure projects nationwide.
These include the 10,000-capacity Migori Stadium, Thika Stadium, Kidundu Stadium, which will host this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, Mumbi Stadium in Murang’a, Kitui Stadium, and the expansion of Bukhungu Stadium to 25,000 seats.
The government has allocated Ksh1.4 billion to fast-track Bukhungu’s upgrade, with completion expected around September.
This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to construct and upgrade up to 30 sporting facilities nationwide ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.
The investments are keen to enhance local sporting development, boost tourism, and create economic opportunities, positioning Nairobi and Kenya as key destinations for international sports.
President Ruto’s announcement reflects the administration’s commitment to modernising Kenya’s urban and sporting landscape, providing a lasting legacy of world-class facilities ahead of continental tournaments and future international events.