AFCON stadiums to be ready by mid-2026, CS Mvurya
Sports
By
Ronald Kipruto
| Jul 23, 2025
Talanta Sports City stadium when President William Ruto accompanied by Sports CS Salim Mvurya visited the facility on April 11, 2025. [Ministry of Sports, Standard]
Stadiums set to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in June and July 2027 are expected to be ready between December 2025 and June 2026, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has said.
Appearing before the Senate plenary on Wednesday, July 23, Mvurya noted that inspection of facilities designated for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has already been completed and cleared, while work on the AFCON 2027 venues is ongoing.
"Final inspection for facilities designated for CHAN 2027 was completed and cleared. Further facilities for AFCON 2027 are ongoing, with completion anticipated between December 2025 and June 2026," Mvurya said.
He added that the government is also setting up regional, county, and community training grounds to support preparations for the tournament. Among the facilities listed to serve as training venues are Annex One, Annex Two, Ulinzi, Police Sacco Stadium, and Utalii College.
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While highlighting ongoing efforts to meet CAF requirements, Mvurya assured the Senate that other stadiums across the country have not been neglected.
According to him, the construction of the 60,000-seater Talanta City Stadium is currently 45 percent complete. The renovation of Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, is finished, while the refurbishment of Nyayo Stadium and the upgrading of Kipchoge Keino Stadium are ongoing.
On the delayed Wote Stadium in Makueni, the CS cited natural topographical challenges and a two-year budget freeze as the main reasons for the long delay. Construction began in 2017, initially targeting a 15,000-seater facility. However, the scope has since been revised down to a 5,000-seater, which Mvurya assured would be complete by December this year.
He also revealed that Kitui Stadium is now complete and scheduled to be officially handed over on October 6, ahead of this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Responding to a question by Senator Boni Khalwale on the stalled Bukhungu Stadium, Mvurya explained that the county government has a pending bill of Sh627 million. However, he confirmed that the contractor is already back on site.