Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has assured Kenyans that the construction of the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City remains on track for completion ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), even as questions continue to emerge over the project’s escalating costs.
Speaking yesterday before the Senate Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing , Mvurya outlined the progress of the multi-billion-shilling sports infrastructure project, describing it as a transformative investment that will redefine Kenya’s sports landscape and continental hosting capacity.
The CS said the Government remains committed to delivering the facility within the approved contractual and financial framework, insisting that no cost variations have been recorded so far in the ongoing works.
“I clarified the current status of completion works and affirmed that the project continues to progress in line with the approved financial and contractual obligations,” Mvurya said after the Senate appearance.
He further urged lawmakers to support the fast-tracking of supporting infrastructure, including roads, railway connectivity, and auxiliary facilities necessary for the full operationalization of Talanta Sports City.
Mvurya was accompanied during the Senate session by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Sports Director General Timothy Kilimo, SASDF CEO Nuh Ibrahim and other senior government officials.
Today, the Sports CS conducted an inspection tour of the stadium project and announced that construction had now reached 91% completion, with the Government targeting handover by the end of July.
According to Mvurya, the three training pitches are currently at 87% completion, while landscaping, lighting, fencing, and power connectivity works are progressing steadily. He added that all recommendations and requirements from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are being integrated during construction to ensure the facility meets international standards.
The latest update comes amid scrutiny over the project’s rising costs after the Senate committee questioned the increase in the stadium budget from Ksh. 35.2 billion to Ksh.45.8 billion.
Responding to concerns raised by the Auditor General, Mvurya explained that the initial estimate excluded taxes and import-related charges. He said the final cost increased after the Government incorporated VAT, customs duty, railway development levy, import declaration fees, and other charges associated with imported materials and equipment.
“The initial cost did not include applicable taxes such as VAT, railway development levy, customs duty and import charges for imported components,” Mvurya stated in a letter to the Senate.
He disclosed that the base construction cost stood at Ksh.34.6 billion, while taxes and levies added more than Ksh.11 billion before discounts were applied, resulting in the final Ksh.45.8 billion contract sum.
Mvurya also defended the direct procurement of China Road and Bridge Corporation for the project, saying the firm was selected because of its technical and financial capability to deliver the complex project within the strict timelines required for Kenya’s AFCON preparations.
The Talanta Sports City project is expected to play a central role in Kenya’s co-hosting ambitions for the 2027 AFCON tournament alongside neighbouring East African nations.
