AFCON 2027: Mvurya targets November-December tests at Talanta Stadium

Talanta Stadium could stage test matches in November or December, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said during a tour of the facility on Wednesday. The 60,000-capacity venue is being prepared as Kenya’s main stadium for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mvurya’s timeline would give the stadium a significant margin before AFCON 2027. Confederation of African Football regulations require tournament venues to undergo test matches at least six months before the competition, while Kenya is also working to complete auxiliary facilities around the main structure.

The stadium is nearing completion, with seating in place and the playing surface close to ready. Floodlights and the sound system have been installed, while work continues on internal finishes, LED screens, skyboxes and other sections of the venue.

A CAF inspection has identified upgrades still required before the facility can meet the standards for the continental tournament. These include clearer separation for teams, officials and media, improved systems for spectator movement and crowd control, a dedicated operations centre, broadcast-standard lighting and dependable backup power.

Mvurya said the government was also examining structural changes requested by CAF, including work linked to the presidential pavilion. The final cost of the project has not been settled because the designs and technical reviews are still being completed. Some adjustments may fit within the current budget variation, but larger changes could require an increase.

Security work is progressing, with 60 of the stadium’s 91 turnstiles already installed. Kasarani Stadium is also scheduled to host AFCON 2027 matches, giving Kenya two venues for the tournament and making the readiness of both facilities central to the country’s preparations.