Mvurya sets November or December window for Talanta Stadium debut

Kenya’s 60,000-seat Talanta Stadium could host its first matches in November or December, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has said. The facility is being prepared for test games before it becomes a venue for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Mvurya said the government was working to meet standards raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before allowing competitive action at the stadium. The planned opening window depends on completing compliance work and the remaining facilities around the main arena.

CAF inspectors are expected to return for discussions with Kenya’s engineers. The talks will focus on how to carry out structural changes requested after the governing body’s latest inspection in March. Those changes include separating the movement areas for teams, officials and media, as well as improving the layout for spectators.

The recommended work also covers a venue operations centre, stronger broadcasting lights and a backup electricity system. Mvurya said the final design would be agreed between the visiting CAF delegation and the Kenyan engineering team before the work is defined and implemented.

The auxiliary projects outside the main stadium are also central to the timetable. Their progress will influence what can take place inside the venue, with officials aiming to accelerate that work alongside the required adjustments to the stadium itself.

Kenya has also submitted a bid to stage the Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup and hopes to use the competition as a trial event for Afcon. Talanta Stadium is planned to be the largest venue in Kenya and East Africa, with three training pitches, each equipped with a running track.