Kenya expands sports infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027

The Kenyan government is significantly expanding its national sports infrastructure to bolster the sports economy and prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda. Central to this initiative is the nearly complete 60,000-seat Raila Odinga Talanta City Stadium in Nairobi, which includes an independent electricity substation and three training grounds.

To finance these developments, the government aims to borrow approximately Sh38.74 billion through the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF). This follows the Sh44.8 billion Talanta bond used for the Talanta City Stadium. The new financing program seeks to complete 33 new and existing stadium projects across more than 20 counties, including upgrades in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret, as well as the Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadiums.

Other ongoing projects include the Gusii Stadium upgrade, the construction of stadiums in Nyamira, Thika, Vihiga, and Murang’a, and the reconstruction of Mombasa Stadium. Some facilities, such as the Wajir and Ithookwe stadiums, have already been completed and utilized for national celebrations.