‘Hii ni noma sana mtapenda’-Ruto says as he Inspects Talanta Stadium
President William Ruto took a moment to address skeptics while overseeing progress at the expansive Talanta Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The 60,000-seat facility, destined to host matches for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, has been under construction, and Ruto expressed confidence that its final form will exceed expectations and silence critics who questioned the project's viability.
During the visit, Ruto highlighted the government's commitment to seeing the initiative through, contrasting it with the hesitation from detractors. He remarked that while others harbored doubts, his administration stayed focused on delivery. The stadium, which will eventually be rechristened as Raila Odinga International Stadium later this year, represents a key part of Kenya's preparations for co-hosting the continental tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
This inspection follows recent directives from Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to implement a hybrid private-public management system for stadiums nationwide. Mvurya, after consulting with a technical committee, advocated for greater private sector involvement to enhance operational efficiency, generate income, and ensure long-term upkeep. He pointed out persistent issues like inadequate maintenance and underutilization in public venues, emphasizing that the new framework will foster innovation, meet international benchmarks, and make facilities financially self-sustaining in alignment with President Ruto's vision.
