By David Ndolo and Erick Ludeya
Kenya’s sports infrastructure is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with Sports Kenya spearheading the construction of new stadiums and the modernization of existing facilities in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and CHAN tournaments.
Sports Kenya which is mostly mandated with construction,upgrading and maintenance of sports facilities is so far working on ambitious 21 stadia facilities that will greatly impact sports infrastructure in the country.
For Kenya,at the heart of this ambitious push is the construction of the Talanta Sports City, a 60,000-seater state-of-the-art stadium rising at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi.
The facility, designed to meet international football and rugby standards, will feature cutting-edge pitch technology, VIP skyboxes, and modern fan amenities, positioning Kenya as a premier destination for global sporting events.
Speaking on the progress, Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo said the ongoing projects represent more than just infrastructure development.
“It is about creating a world-class environment for our athletes while opening up the country to international competitions and investment,” he noted.
Sports Kenya has also undertaken extensive renovations of key national facilities, notably the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and the Nyayo National Stadium. Both venues have been upgraded to meet CAF and FIFA standards, with improvements to playing surfaces, lighting systems, seating arrangements, and security infrastructure.
These upgrades are critical to ensuring Kenya is fully compliant with international hosting requirements.
Beyond the capital, the agency has rolled out a nationwide programme targeting regional stadiums.
Facilities such as the Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Kinoru Stadium, Bukhungu Stadium, and the Jomo Kenyatta Stadium are undergoing significant upgrades to improve capacity, pitch quality, and spectator experience.
Sports Kenya Board Chair Mark Lomunokol has always emphasized the importance of equitable development across the country.
“Our goal is to ensure that every region benefits from modern sports facilities. By upgrading stadiums across counties, we are decentralizing opportunity and giving young athletes a platform to grow without having to move to Nairobi,” he said.
In addition to stadium construction and rehabilitation, Sports Kenya is also investing in grassroots development through the establishment of 37 sports academies nationwide.
The academies are expected to nurture talent at an early age, providing structured training and a clear pathway to professional sports.
Kilimo noted that infrastructure alone is not enough without talent development.
“We are aligning facilities with talent. The academies will ensure that the next generation of Kenyan athletes has access to the training and support they need to compete globally,” he said.
The agency is working closely with other government bodies to ensure projects are delivered on time and meet required standards.
This multi-agency approach has strengthened oversight, improved efficiency, and enhanced accountability in project implementation.
Looking ahead, Sports Kenya has outlined plans to construct more than 25 additional stadiums across counties, further expanding access to sports infrastructure.
The long-term vision is to position Kenya as a continental leader in sports while unlocking economic opportunities through sports tourism and job creation.
