The government is set to splash a staggering Ksh 44.7 billion on the construction of the Talanta Sports Complex Channel 15 News can report .
Defense Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya made the jaw-dropping revelation to the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture, confirming that Ksh 2 billion has already been paid to a Chinese firm contracted for the project.
“The new stadium is currently 37% complete, and we are working tirelessly to ensure it is ready by February 28, 2026,” she told the committee.
Tuya was briefing Members of Parliament on Kenya’s grand-scale preparations for hosting the AFCON and CHAN tournaments, where the government has lined up multi-billion shilling projects to upgrade sporting facilities.
In addition to the Talanta Sports Complex, the government is injecting Ksh 3.6 billion into refurbishing Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which will serve as the main venue for the CHAN tournament this August.
“Further upgrades at Kasarani to meet AFCON standards will cost an additional Ksh 3.1 billion,” Tuya revealed.
The heavy spending spree continues, with Nyayo Stadium’s facelift requiring Ksh 1.1 billion. The CS confirmed that Ksh 200 million has already been paid for ongoing works at the stadium, another crucial venue for CHAN.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, which has also been earmarked for CHAN, will cost taxpayers over Ksh 3.5 billion. According to Tuya, Ksh 300 million has already been funneled into the project.
The spending doesn’t stop there—renovations at the Police Sacco Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex have come at a combined cost of Ksh 1.072 billion, with CAF insisting that both facilities must be modernized for use as training grounds during the tournament.
“We have made remarkable progress, and we are confident that all projects will be completed on time to meet CAF’s requirements,” the CS assured the committee.
Tuya emphasized that hosting AFCON is not just about football—it’s an economic game-changer that could inject billions into the country’s economy.
“Kenya will not only take pride in hosting AFCON, but the tournament will also boost tourism, create jobs, and leave a lasting impact on our sports sector,” she noted.
However, the CS also raised concerns over stadium vandalism, warning fans against destructive behavior that could lead to massive repair costs.
“These world-class facilities belong to the people, and we must protect them. Destroying them only hurts the taxpayers who foot the bill,” she cautioned.
With Kenya guaranteed a spot in AFCON as the host nation, Tuya believes this presents a golden opportunity for local footballers to shine on the continental stage.
Meanwhile, the committee also met with Athletics Kenya officials to discuss efforts to grow the sport and improve the welfare of athletes. As billions continue to pour into the sports sector, Kenyans are left wondering—will these investments yield results, or is this just another case of public funds going down the drain?
