Sports CS Salim Mvurya Says Raila Odinga International Stadium on Track Ahead of AFCON 2027
By Gedion Nzyoki -
Nairobi, Kenya | August 21, 2026 — Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has said construction and upgrade works at the Raila Odinga International Stadium are progressing well as Kenya steps up preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon after inspecting the facility, Mvurya said substantial progress had been made, with the main pitch already ready as contractors race against time to complete the remaining works.
“We've been able to see substantial progress in the implementation of our Raila Odinga International Stadium. The pitch is ready,” Mvurya said.
The CS said the government was confident the stadium would be completed in time to support Kenya’s preparations for the continental tournament.
“As a ministry, on behalf of the government of Kenya, I want to tell all Kenyans that we are in good standing in terms of completing this legacy project,” he said.
Training Grounds Take Shape
Mvurya said three training grounds linked to the stadium were also at different stages of completion.
One of the grounds is approximately 50 per cent complete, while another stands at 40 per cent. The third training facility, which includes a pavilion with a seating capacity of 1,500 fans, is also progressing.
The training facilities are expected to form part of Kenya’s wider AFCON preparations, complementing stadiums and training grounds in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
CAF Recommendations Prompt Stadium Adjustments
The main stadium has entered the finishing stages, with technical teams conducting tests on key installations, including the sound system and LED screens.
“If you went in, you saw that we are doing testing of the sounds, testing of the LED screens,” Mvurya said.
He noted that some sections of the stadium, particularly the Presidential Pavilion, would require structural adjustments following recommendations from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“There are also other areas that we'll be discussing with CAF, especially some adjustments on the presidential pavilion,” he said.
Mvurya said government engineers were engaging CAF on the proposed changes before final designs and costs could be established.
He added that the financial implications of the adjustments were yet to be determined because the technical teams had not completed the designs and scoping.
“Most of the costings have not been concluded, because until they conclude the design, is when now they can conclude the view of use, which then will inform the kind of cost that we are looking at,” he said.
Security Upgrades Underway
Security infrastructure at the stadium is also being enhanced ahead of AFCON. Mvurya said 91 turnstiles had been planned for installation, with 60 already in place. The turnstiles are part of the security requirements recommended by CAF.
Work is also continuing on the stadium’s skyboxes and other facilities, while the lifts are already operational.
“I think as government, we are very happy because right now we even have lifts that are working in this stadium,” Mvurya said.
Stadiums to Support More Than Football
Mvurya defended the government’s investment in the facility, saying the stadium would serve purposes beyond football and help nurture sporting talent across the country.
He said the government was developing 32 additional sports facilities across Kenya alongside the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
“Since 1987, there has not been any investment in a facility like the one we have here. The last time an investment of an international stadium was in Kasarani in 1987,” Mvurya said.
He said the facilities would support multiple sporting disciplines, including athletics.
“For example, we are putting a tatan in Wajia, basically to allow athletics to thrive. And in many of them, we will be doing tatan, and also to allow other disciplines to thrive,” he said.
The CS added that the facilities would also feature amenities such as ICT hubs, recording studios and skyboxes, allowing them to host activities outside sporting events.
“So that the stadium is not just waiting for a league, but it can be used for other activities that can support the youth of our country,” he said.
Kasarani, Nyayo and Other Venues in AFCON Plan
Mvurya said preparations were also being accelerated at other facilities expected to support the 2027 tournament.
At Kasarani, the existing pitch has been removed as renovation works continue, while training facilities attached to the stadium are also being prepared.
Nyayo Stadium is also part of the AFCON preparations. Mvurya said comparatively little work was required on its pitch because it was already in good condition.
The government, however, plans to upgrade Nyayo’s canopy as part of a wider improvement programme, although the project is not a CAF requirement.
“We will also be working on the canopy to make sure that we also upgrade it. But that is not a CAF requirement. It is a good standard that we want to do as government,” he said.
The government is also preparing alternative training and competition venues outside Nairobi, with Kipchoge Keino Stadium among the facilities cited as making progress.
Government Developing Roadmap for Harambee Stars
Beyond infrastructure, Mvurya said the government was developing a separate roadmap to prepare the national football team, Harambee Stars, for the 2027 tournament.
“You know, there is no need of hosting. Then you lose,” he said.
The CS said the government would rally support from both the public and private sectors to back Harambee Stars before, during and after AFCON.
“We'll also have a roadmap to prepare Harambee Stars and we'll be rallying all Kenyans, both in the public and the private sector to support our team and to profile our team before AFCON, within AFCON and also after AFCON,” Mvurya said.
He said the football technical team had already been tasked with developing a strategy aimed at giving Kenya the best possible chance of lifting the continental trophy.
“But we've already asked the football technical team to give a roadmap on how they can lift the cup and what we need to put in to make sure that we win,” he said.
Stadium Could Host Matches Before AFCON
Mvurya said the Raila Odinga International Stadium could potentially host opening matches as early as November or December, subject to completion of the required works and compliance with CAF standards.
“Otherwise we could have opening matches any time from November, December, and we can play matches even before we host AFCON,” he said.
The CS maintained that the government would continue working with CAF, contractors, engineers and other relevant agencies to ensure the stadium and supporting infrastructure meet the required standards ahead of AFCON 2027.
With the main pitch ready and finishing works gathering pace, the Raila Odinga International Stadium is expected to play a central role in Kenya’s bid to deliver a successful continental tournament on home soil.
Comments
Post a Comment