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Talanta Stadium project faces fresh risk of delays
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 20.05.26. | 12:51
Lawmakers were informed that the total contractual cost of the identified stadium projects stands at Ksh15.11 billion, with only Ksh3.74 billion having been disbursed so far
Kenya will require an additional Ksh11.02 billion from the Exchequer to complete key stadium projects in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), in a bid to safeguard the country’s hosting commitments.
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Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi told the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture that the funding gap is critical for the timely delivery of the earmarked facilities.
“The additional Exchequer support required is Ksh11.02 billion to ensure the timely completion of earmarked stadiums ahead of AFCON 2027 and safeguard Kenya’s hosting rights,” Mwangi said.
He appeared before the committee, chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, during discussions on the 2026/27 financial year budget estimates.
Lawmakers were informed that the total contractual cost of the identified stadium projects stands at Ksh15.11 billion, with only Ksh3.74 billion having been disbursed so far.
Mwangi further explained that although the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) has an approved allocation of Ksh18.38 billion in the 2025/26 financial year, its financial capacity is under strain due to multiple competing obligations.
“The financial commitments of SASDF include annual loan repayment for Talanta Sports City (Ksh6.29 billion), participation and hosting of sports events (Ksh6.0 billion), escrow account deposit (Ksh1.57 billion), standby letter of credit (Ksh1.57 billion), establishment of constituency sports academies (Ksh2.1 billion), and upgrade of community sports grounds (Ksh1.4 billion),” he said.
He added that these obligations have limited the fund’s ability to adequately finance AFCON-related infrastructure.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya also defended the need for additional funding from the National Treasury, stressing the importance of adequate preparation.
“We have a lot to prepare, especially in infrastructure. The key venue, Raila Odinga Stadium, is at 91 per cent completion, but there is still a lot required for operationalisation, including a power substation which will cost around Ksh937 million,” Mvurya said.
Members of the committee raised concerns over delays in some projects, with Yatta MP Robert Basil questioning progress on key facilities.
“I will make reference to Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which is at 18 per cent completion and has been earmarked to be one of the fields to be used during the games,” he said.
However, PS Mwangi clarified that the stadium had been removed from the list of AFCON venues following a review.
“After review of the initial list, Kipchoge Keino Stadium is no longer part of the earmarked stadiums. Raila Odinga and Kasarani stadiums will serve as the main match venues, while Nyayo and Ulinzi stadiums will be used as training facilities,” he said.
The committee also urged the State Department to address outstanding issues, including progress on the Kenya Academy of Sports project.
