Incomplete areas revealed as government provides latest update on Talanta Stadium [PHOTOS]

The Government of Kenya, on Friday, 23 January, issued its latest update on the state of the ongoing construction of the Raila Odinga International Stadium (Talanta Stadium), stating that it was now 80 percent complete, and still on course to meet the March 2026 deadline.

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Speaking during a high-level inter-ministerial inspection at the 60-000 seater facility, Defense Principal Secretary Dr. Patrick Mariru said much of the hard work had been done, with only the easier part remaining.

The latest completion percentage presents a big jump from the Government’s previous update of 66 percent in November, when the stadium’s due date was pushed from 31 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

Akin to what Mozzart Sport has been reporting frequently, much of the external work and steel superstructure is done, leaving out critical developments inside.

Two major additions lined up as Talanta Stadium project expands

Commenting on what had been completed, Mariru, who was joined in the inspection by his counterparts from the Ministry of Sports, Interior, and Transport, said: “The bulk of the work is done. The superstructures supporting the façade are done, and the outer shields are also complete, which is upwards of 80 percent.

The remaining part consists of works that can be done simultaneously, and within a very short period of time.”

Among the works which remain incomplete is the canopy installation, which, even as per the pictures and drone footage shared, are yet to cover the entire roof.

In January, Mozzart Sport spotted the installation of the first canopies, which are made of Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) - a lightweight membrane system used in modern stadiums to shelter fans, while also allowing light to enter the facility.

Also not finalised is the fixing of seats, with provided pictures showing evidence of only rows of green ones attached to the available terraces.

In addition, Mariru mentioned ongoing plans to set up lighting, giant screens, and sound systems.

The stadium is also set to involve internal works on a presidential pavilion and 52 luxury (VVIP) skyboxes.

The ultramodern facility is also expected to feature six changing rooms, a VAR room, and a doping room.

Talanta Stadium finally gets Allianz Arena like outer lighting [PHOTOS]

On the critical part, Mariru said drainage systems were being set up on the actual playing surface, with the pitch also set to be thrown into focus.

As per the PS, CAF’s directive on the use of natural grass will be strictly adhered to, with the process of it growing to the required standards taking “two to three months.”

The Raila Odinga International Stadium is among three Kenyan facilities that are expected to play host to next year’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also be co-hosted by East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.

Sports PS Elijah Mwangi disclosed that the country was expecting top delegations and inspection teams from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to start visiting to assess the status of Kenya’s infrastructure ahead of the AFCON tournament.

The PS noted that the successful execution of a tournament of the magnitude of AFCON required a Whole-of-Government Approach through constituting multi-agency teams to streamline and coordinate various inter-related activities that will contribute towards the success of the tournament.

Kenya Railways provides update on Nyayo and Talanta Stadium commuter lines

Apart from the stadium construction, the Kenya Railways Corporation issued updates this month, leaning on the development of commuter lines traversing Nyayo Stadium and the Raila Odinga International Stadium, for easier access.

“This is proof that we are on course to deliver this project,” Mwangi said. “The government is assuring Kenyans that AFCON will be held, and we have the facilities to execute that tournament.”