Talanta Stadium set for dedicated power substation ahead of AFCON 2027

Talanta Stadium is set to receive a dedicated electricity substation as the government moves to guarantee a stable power supply at the facility ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the standalone power source would be essential given the stadium’s modern infrastructure and substantial electricity demands.

“This stadium will require a lot of power to run and that is why we are constructing a substation,” Mvurya said on Wednesday while inspecting construction progress at the facility.

The CS said he was confident the stadium would be completed in time for the continental tournament. The playing surface is already finished, while work on three training pitches within the complex is at different stages of completion.

“We have seen substantial progress in this project. The pitch is ready and the three training grounds attached to this facility are at 50 per cent, 40 per cent and the other is also showing good progress,” he said.

“We as a ministry are getting ready to host Afcon matches. I want to assure Kenyans that we are in a good position to complete this project ahead of Afcon.”

The stadium has also been equipped with modern LED displays and sound systems, while the government remains in discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over further adjustments to some sections of the facility, including the presidential pavilion.

“We have enhanced security in this facility in accordance with the CAF requirements,” he added.

Transport and access to the stadium are also being factored into the preparations. Mvurya said plans include linking the facility to Bomas of Kenya by rail, alongside improvements to roads around the stadium.

“This facility will be connected to Bomas of Kenya through a railway. The road networks are also being considered for development despite a court case challenging that,” he said.

Beyond preparations for AFCON, Mvurya said the government is pursuing a broader programme to improve sports infrastructure around the country, with 32 additional stadium projects currently under development.

“We have 32 more stadiums we are working on across the country to ensure we are nurturing talents across the country,” he said.

He added that renovation and construction work was also continuing at Kasarani Stadium and its training facilities, Police Sacco Stadium and Nyayo Stadium, all of which are expected to play a role during AFCON.

“We are also working on alternative fields away from Nairobi. Kipchoge Keino and others are coming up well,” Mvurya said.

The government also intends to install a canopy at Nyayo Stadium after the continental tournament, even though such an upgrade is not required by CAF.

“We are working on installation of a canopy in Nyayo after Afcon to ensure we raise the standards even though it is not a CAF requirement,” he added.