Talanta Stadium, which is undergoing construction/COURTESYSports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has revealed that the government will seek continued involvement of Chinese partners in maintaining the Talanta Sports City once it is completed.
According to Mwangi, this will ensure the ultramodern facility retains its world-class standards before a long-term management plan is finalised.
Speaking during the launch of the inaugural China-Kenya friendship games, Mwangi said the Chinese government and Chinese firms involved in the construction of major sports infrastructure in the country will remain key partners even after the official handover.
“As part of the agreement that we have, we are going to have them continue maintaining it for us as we look for a sponsor or a corporate body to maintain it,” Mwangi said.
“We want the facility to retain its status even as we explore a sustainable way of handing it over to us.”
He acknowledged the significant role that Chinese companies have played in upgrading Kenya’s sports facilities, noting that firms such as China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) have been central to recent improvements.
Mwangi cited the renovation of Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo National Stadium, as well as ongoing work in other facilities.
He added that Chinese companies have also been responsible for maintaining the Kasarani gymnasium and several adjacent sports facilities, a partnership he said the government is keen to extend.
“We have discussed with the ambassador to see to it that we can renew the MoU so that they can continue maintaining it,” he said, adding that Kenya will continue to rely on their technical expertise during the transition period.
Mwangi noted that CRBC had been instrumental not only in infrastructure development but also in ensuring the upgraded venues meet international standards suitable for major events.
The PS also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen talent development, saying 37 sports academies across the country are currently under construction or operational.
These academies, he said, will feed into high-performance centres such as Talanta Sports City, ensuring the investment directly benefits young athletes.
Mwangi said the government’s goal is to create a complete sports ecosystem, from grassroots training to modern facilities, backed by reliable partnerships that guarantee maintenance, performance, and long-term sustainability.
“We want to ensure that when Kenya builds, we also maintain,” he said.
“That calls for strong and consistent partnerships, and we are happy with the support we continue to receive.”
Talanta is being constructed ahead of the Afcon 2027, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
