CS Mvurya: Talanta Stadium scheduled to open in November

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya says the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Talanta Stadium will be ready for use in November this year, with the facility reaching more than 94 per cent completion.

Speaking during a follow-up inspection tour on Friday, CS Mvurya revealed the stadium could host test matches before end of this year as the government races against time to get the magnificent sporting theatre, along with Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, fully prepped to host next year’s AFCON tournament.

With the main stadium and most of the auxiliary works now firmly into the finishing stages, Mvurya said the focus is shifting to the two remaining training facilities, currently at 50% and 40% completion.

“We could have opening matches anytime from November-December, and we can play matches even before we host the AFCON. But majorly, we are also focusing on ensuring that we accelerate on all the other auxiliary works that are supposed to be done here," he said.

As Kenya’s first purpose-built football stadium, Talanta is designed to meet CAF Category 4 standards, complemented by 52 luxury skyboxes, modern spectator facilities and a comprehensive media infrastructure featuring dedicated press conference facilities, media working areas and a media tribune designed for world-class coverage of major sporting events.

“The latest assessment from CAF has given us positive ratings on our progress and compliance. We continue engaging with CAF on the remaining scope of works to ensure that Kenya attains 100% compliance with the required standards,” he added.

“We have equally strengthened security and spectator management infrastructure in line with CAF recommendations. Of the 91 turnstiles planned for the facility, 60 have already been completed, alongside continued work on the skyboxes, media facilities and other critical installations.”

At the heart of the main stadium will be a hybrid playing surface, combining Monaco variety Bermuda grass with stitched synthetic fibres to deliver greater durability, consistency and a high-quality, television-friendly playing surface.