Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA) has approved a plan to raise Sh47 billion to fund the ongoing construction of the Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi. The stadium is one of Kenya’s major projects in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda. The fundraising will be done through the capital market, and the funds are expected to support the full completion of the stadium before the deadline in December 2025.
The stadium, known officially as Talanta Sports City, is being built at Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road, about 10 kilometers from Nairobi’s city centre. The planned capacity for the stadium is 60,000 spectators. It is designed mainly for football and rugby events, as it will not have an athletics track. However, the government said nearby fields will be developed to support athletics activities.
The construction work is being handled by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a subsidiary of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), through its Engineering Department, is supervising the construction to make sure that quality is maintained and deadlines are met. The project is structured as a public-private partnership (PPP), involving the Government of Kenya and a private partner whose name has not yet been disclosed.
The CMA’s approval means that the government can now raise the money through the capital market using regulated financial instruments. This method, according to officials, is part of a new strategy to tap into the capital market to fund large infrastructure projects. It is also seen as a step towards transparency and accountability in public project financing.
The Talanta Sports Stadium is one of several venues expected to host matches during the AFCON tournament. Other stadiums on the list include the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, and the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret. Kenya won the rights to co-host the 2027 AFCON in September 2023 when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the joint East Africa Pamoja bid with Uganda and Tanzania as winners.
The government believes that the stadium will have long-term benefits for Kenya. Apart from hosting AFCON matches, the stadium is expected to become a major location for local and international sporting events. It is also seen as a way to boost tourism, create jobs, and attract investments in the hospitality and transport sectors.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said the government is committed to ensuring the Talanta Stadium does not turn into a white elephant project. He promised transparency in how the funds will be used and said the stadium will be a national symbol of pride once completed. He also said the project shows how Kenya can use partnerships and financial tools to support national development.
As fundraising begins, the focus will be on proper financial management and delivering the stadium on time. The government hopes this project will become a model for future stadiums and other large public-private projects in Kenya and across Africa.
