Watching the Talanta Stadium project take shape has been a reminder of just how fast a major build can move when the planning, engineering and political will all line up. According to the latest project brief, construction has now pushed past the 68% mark, and the shape of the new arena is becoming clearer by the week.
The exterior structure — the façade, the supporting frames and the roof canopy — is already in place, giving the stadium its full outline. The canopy itself is one of the more interesting elements of the entire build. It uses a tensioned steel-cable system, a first in East Africa, that allows the roof to span wide without weighing the structure down. Even on paper and photo updates, the engineering behind that design really stands out.
Inside the bowl, the pitch area is finally being cleared. For months it acted as a storage zone for materials, which is pretty normal for a project of this scale. Now it’s being prepared for the installation of a hybrid surface that mixes natural Bermuda grass with synthetic reinforcement. The idea is to create a field that holds up under football, rugby and non-sporting events without losing the feel of a natural turf pitch. Concert promoters will also be required to use protective covering whenever the venue hosts major shows.
One of the biggest changes compared to older stadiums in Kenya is the decision to remove the athletics track. Talanta Stadium has been designed purely for sport-specific viewing, with fans sitting much closer to the action. The track isn’t being scrapped, though — it’s just being housed elsewhere within the wider complex, alongside three training pitches and a 2,000-seater mini stadium.
The exterior design blends modern geometry with cultural detail. The façade draws inspiration from the shape of a football, and eight shield patterns are incorporated around the structure as a nod to the country’s diverse heritage. It’s subtle enough not to overpower the architecture, but visible enough to give the building its own identity.
A retractable roof — something fans often ask about — isn’t part of the final plan. Engineers say such a system simply isn’t necessary in Kenya’s climate and would complicate ventilation and turf maintenance. Instead, the Teflon-coated canopy will cover fans while keeping the pitch open for sunlight and airflow.
Accessibility features have also been built into the design from the start. All entry plazas include ramps, and the stadium will have 15 elevators to support movement across each tier. The west side will host the media, VIP and VVIP entrances along with a press conference room and an elevated commentary area for broadcasters.
Beyond the stadium itself, the supporting infrastructure is taking shape. Expansion work is underway along Ngong Road, and planners are exploring the addition of a commuter rail link to help manage matchday crowds.
With the project now inching toward the 70% mark, Talanta Stadium is on course to sit at the centre of Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. If progress continues at this pace, the March 1, 2026 completion target is well within reach.
