Kenya to host Bayern Munich and Ajax for new stadium opening

President William Ruto has announced that German football club Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam will play a friendly match on January 5, 2027, to officially inaugurate the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi. The 60,000-seat arena, located at Talanta Sports City, is a flagship infrastructure project designed to meet CAF Category 4 standards and will serve as a key venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya is co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania.

The stadium is Kenya’s first purpose-built football and rugby facility, featuring a hybrid pitch and climate-controlled VIP skyboxes. While construction is reported to be over 90% complete, the project has faced scrutiny regarding its cost, which is estimated at approximately Ksh 48 billion.

Both European clubs have confirmed their participation. Bayern Munich views the visit as an opportunity to strengthen its connection with African fans, while Ajax noted the honor of the invitation. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale starting November 5, 2026. The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from local figures, with some calling for domestic clubs like Gor Mahia or AFC Leopards to lead the inaugural match instead of international sides.