The government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the country’s sports sector through massive investments in infrastructure, talent development and international event hosting, with President William Ruto announcing a Ksh 26.4 billion allocation towards sports development.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi ,after signing the Finance Bill 2026 into law, President Ruto outlined the government’s ambitious plans to strengthen Kenya’s standing as a global sporting powerhouse.

In a bid to strengthen Kenya’s position as a global sporting nation, the Government of Kenya has allocated KSh 26.4 billion to complete 39 sports stadia across the country, support preparations for AFCON 2027, reward outstanding Kenyan sportsmen and women who continue to fly the national flag high, and facilitate sports competitions and tournaments nationwide,” said President Ruto.

The Head of State emphasized that the investment goes beyond infrastructure development, noting that it will create opportunities for young people, nurture sporting talent and enhance Kenya’s international reputation in sports.

“This strategic investment will enhance sports infrastructure, nurture talent, create opportunities for youth, and cement Kenya’s reputation as a leading force in global athletics and sports development,” he added.

Ruto’s announcement comes at a time when Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are gathering momentum.

Yesterday,Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya officially handed over two training grounds to contractors for construction works at the Talanta Sports Complex, one of the flagship projects earmarked for the continental showpiece.

Mvurya, accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Sports Elija Mwangi, toured the Talanta Sports Complex and inspected ongoing construction works before briefing sports journalists at the site. The Sports CS described the training pitches as critical facilities that will support Kenya’s hosting obligations during AFCON 2027.

“I have conducted an inspection of the Raila Odinga International Stadium, and I am satisfied with the pace of works at the facility, with all major construction activities expected to be substantially completed by the end of July this year,” said Mvurya.

He revealed that extensive work is currently ongoing to ensure the facilities meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards required for hosting the tournament.

“Continuous monitoring, turf management, and landscaping works are ongoing at the main playing pitch and the football training grounds to ensure full compliance with CAF standards and requirements ahead of AFCON 2027,” he added.

Mvurya noted that the government’s preparations extend beyond paying the hosting fee for the tournament, with significant investments being directed towards sports and transport infrastructure.

“Away from paying the hosting fee we have embarked on infrastructure, we’ll have three training grounds and one stadium,” the CS stated.

The government is also undertaking major transport upgrades around the sporting venues to improve accessibility and enhance the overall tournament experience for teams, officials and fans.

“Also working on transport infrastructure, the rail station and scoping have already been done and the roads coming to the stadium. Everything is coming up well and we are on schedule,” Mvurya explained.

The Ksh 26.4 billion allocation signals one of the most significant government investments in sports infrastructure in Kenya’s history. Beyond AFCON 2027, the projects are expected to leave a lasting legacy by improving access to quality sporting facilities across the country.

The completion of 39 stadia, coupled with investments in athlete rewards and grassroots competitions, is expected to strengthen Kenya’s sports ecosystem and provide pathways for young talent to develop and compete at both regional and international levels.

With construction works progressing at key facilities such as the Talanta Sports Complex and Raila Odinga International Stadium, Kenya appears determined to meet its AFCON 2027 hosting commitments while laying the foundation for sustainable sports growth for years to come.