Kenya’s multi-billion-shilling Talanta Sports City Stadium is fast taking shape, with the project now 66 per cent complete and on track for handover of core infrastructure, signalling a major boost to the country’s sports development agenda.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports and Creative Economy Salim Mvurya said the project was progressing well following a joint inspection conducted on Friday morning alongside Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Sports Kenya officials, contractor and senior officers from both ministries.

“We are very happy with the progress because overall, we are now at 66 per cent as of today and we are on course to ensure that all deadlines are met,” the cabinet secretary said after touring the facility. “By the end of December, the external works and the physical infrastructure of the project will be done,” he added.

He said the government remained focused on ensuring the project is delivered to the highest standard, noting that it is one of the flagship legacy projects of President William Ruto’s administration.

According to the cabinet secretary, the stadium is only one component of the larger Talanta Sports City masterplan that includes extensive auxiliary developments involving several ministries and agencies.

“This project is not just the stadium. Other ministries are also working around the clock on water supply, roads, power infrastructure and the railway link connecting Talanta City to Bomas. The water pipeline is already complete, road designs are done, and procurement processes are ongoing,” he said.

Mvurya further disclosed that works on a new substation to power the sports complex were progressing well, and that a team sent to China had verified the shipment of specialised components needed for installation.

“Some of the materials have already arrived while others are still being shipped, but by end of February, we should be able to operationalise the project,” he said, adding that weekly technical reviews had been instituted to ensure timelines and quality standards are strictly observed.

During the inspection, the cabinet secretary said contractors had already commenced external works, including painting and structural finishes, while interior installations were ongoing. Once completed, the stadium will feature 54 skyboxes and will host both football and rugby events

“This design is impressive not only because of its architecture but the quality of work, the speed of implementation and the way all the different systems interconnect. The safety standards have been adhered to both in design and construction,” he said.

The cabinet secretary revealed that Talanta Sports City would also host three modern training fields, more than the two at Kasarani whose construction is already underway. He assured the media that the pitches would meet international standards once completed.

“We will have three training grounds here and they are part of the larger requirement for international events. Some works have already been excavated, and once the assembly begins, you will see the complete picture,” he said.

The cabinet secretary said about 1,500 workers were currently on site with Kenyans accounting for 85 per cent of the workforce.

“Many Kenyans have been here since the project started and their families have benefited. Even as the workforce fluctuates depending on the phase of construction, we ensure Kenyans get priority,” he said.

Mvurya added that the project was opening up new business prospects for local traders, including vendors who would benefit from designated stalls in and around the completed facility.

“To the local communities, I want to say that this project will create an entire ecosystem of opportunities. Once everything is completed, we will map out how local traders can operate around the stadium,” he said.

The cabinet secretary also highlighted the economic impact expected once the stadium becomes operational, noting that its completion would attract international teams, sporting events and investments.

“This stadium will be a landmark for the region. When it is completed and Kenyans come here, we will all be proud. We expect to attract top teams and host major events. This is why we are keen on ensuring every detail is done to the highest standard,” he said.

He observed that the connection between Talanta Sports City and Bomas whose upgrading is ongoing would create a single integrated entertainment and sports hub, easing access and reducing the need for fans to travel to Nairobi’s central district for services.

“When the railway line is complete, people will easily get to the stadium or to Bomas of Kenya without having to go through the city centre,” he said.

The cabinet secretary assured that the government would continue with weekly progress reviews until the project is fully delivered.

“By December, you will see a big change here. We will continue monitoring these works weekly so that milestones are achieved and the country gets the world-class stadium it deserves,” he said.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Naïf Rashid