Ruto unveils Sh29.4bn stadium boost as Kenya ramps up Afcon 2027 preparations

President William Ruto has announced that the government has set aside Sh29.4 billion to complete 39 sports stadia across the country, as Kenya intensifies preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, the tournament will be staged alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania under the joint “Pamoja Bid.” This will mark the first time Afcon tours East Africa and the first edition to be jointly hosted by three nations.

Speaking at State House on Tuesday evening during the assent to the Finance Bill 2026, President Ruto stated that the government has stepped up efforts to ensure the country is fully prepared to successfully host the prestigious continental extravaganza.

As part of these key interventions, the government has earmarked Sh26.4 billion to complete sports infrastructure, prepare for Afcon 2027, reward Kenya’s outstanding international sportsmen and sportswomen, and support sports competitions and tournaments nationwide.

In Kenya, the Raila Odinga International Stadium (Talanta Stadium) and the Moi Stadium, Kasarani, have been selected as the two venues to host Afcon 2027 matches, while the Nyayo Stadium has been designated as a training venue for participating teams.

Sports CS Salim Mvurya confirmed that the Talanta Stadium will be fully complete by the end of July. Meanwhile, works are already in progress at Kasarani Stadium to install a new playing surface and undertake further refurbishments.

Part of the financial allocation will also fund the installation of a canopy at Nyayo Stadium alongside other balance works, as the country races against time to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.

Additionally, President Ruto announced that Sh14.2 billion has been allocated for the completion of the Bomas Convention Centre. Under the proposed plans, this facility will feature an 11,000-seat capacity indoor arena designed to support major indoor sports tournaments, including basketball, boxing and UFC.

The 39 sports facilities currently targeted for completion across the country include Kapsabet Stadium (Nandi), Ol Kalou Stadium (Nyandarua), Kidundu Stadium (Vihiga), Busia Stadium (Busia), Nyamira Stadium (Nyamira), Bomet Stadium (Bomet), 64 Stadium (Uasin Gishu), Moi Stadium (Kisumu), Kilifi Stadium (Kilifi), Gakoigo Stadium (Murang’a), Nyahururu Stadium (Nyandarua), Voi Stadium (Taita Taveta), Kabarnet Stadium (Baringo), Mombasa Stadium (Mombasa), Garissa Stadium (Garissa), Gusii Stadium (Kisii), Thika Stadium (Kiambu), Wajir Stadium (Wajir), Mavoko Stadium (Machakos), Mandera Stadium (Mandera), Lodwar Stadium (Turkana), Kitale Stadium (Trans Nzoia), Nanyuki Stadium (Laikipia), Kericho Green Stadium (Kericho), Kapkatet Stadium (Kericho), Kipchoge Keino Stadium (Uasin Gishu), Afraha Stadium (Nakuru), Bukhungu Stadium (Kakamega), Kamariny Stadium (Elgeyo Marakwet), Masinde Muliro Stadium (Bungoma), Mumbi Stadium (Murang’a), Ithookwe Stadium (Kitui), Migori Stadium (Migori), and Isiolo Stadium (Isiolo).

In Nairobi, the earmarked facilities include the Police Sacco Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nyayo Stadium (covering Phase One balance works and Phase Two canopy installation), and Kasarani Stadium (covering Phase Two and additional miscellaneous works).