CS Mvurya: Talanta City Stadium 66-percent complete, to be ready in February

Speaking after conducting an inspection tour of the facility on Friday, senior state officials led by Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya said they were satisfied with the pace and quality of work.

“We have just concluded a brief inspection visit to the Talanta Sports City Stadium. On the overall, we are now at 66%, and we are in good progress to ensure that all the deadlines are met.”

He was accompanied by PS Defence Patrick Mariru, PS Sports Elijah Mwangi, the Chair of Sports Kenya, the project contractor and senior officials from both the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Defence.

The CS confirmed that the stadium’s external works and physical infrastructure are expected to be fully completed by the end of December this year.

“By end of December the external works and the physical infrastructure will be done,” he said, adding that some auxiliary works—such as water, power, and road connections—are being handled by various ministries and agencies.

The project includes a new power substation, ongoing water system upgrades, and a secured railway link between Talanta City and Bomas. Road designs have been surveyed and procurement is nearing completion.

A team recently travelled to China to verify materials, most of which have arrived, with the rest being shipped.

The Talanta Sports City will feature three training grounds, surpassing Kasarani’s two.

“In Kasarani we have two. Here we will have three training grounds which are going to be part of this project,” the CS added.

He further confirmed that the stadium includes 54 skyboxes, with external works such as painting already underway.

Asked what impressed him most about the stadium, the CS highlighted the precision of the build.

“What is very impressive in this particular project is not just the design but the quality of work, the speed of implementation, and the interconnection between this project and other services,” he said. “The safety standards have equally been maintained in the design and construction.”

The government reiterated that the stadium is designed to host both football and rugby, responding to questions on whether other sporting disciplines will be accommodated.

“This is a stadium for football and rugby. When it is complete, we will look for a worthy team to come and play here,” he said, adding that Kenya hopes to attract international sides for the grand opening.

The project currently employs about 1,000 workers, down from 3,000 as construction phases conclude. Of these, 85 per cent are Kenyan workers.

“Some of them have worked from the beginning, and their families have benefited greatly.”

He also confirmed that the stadium will host shops and kiosks for snacks, water and other necessities, giving opportunities to Kenyan small businesses.

“These stores will be used by local businesses to do business,” he said.

Talanta Sports City is part of the government’s aggressive sports infrastructure renewal programme, which has seen major upgrades at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, alongside new constructions in preparation for regional and international events.

President William Ruto has repeatedly referred to the project as a legacy investment meant to transform Kenya’s sports tourism and international hosting capacity.

“This is a legacy project for His Excellency the President, and we are following to ensure that it is implemented in record time,” the CS emphasized.

The government has committed to weekly site reviews to ensure workmanship quality and adherence to timelines.

By February, officials say Kenyans should expect a facility that meets international standards and supports a thriving sports ecosystem within the emerging Talanta City–Bomas corridor.