DNK International By Our Sports Writer,Nairobi.
The government has announced that the 60,000 seater Raila Odinga International Stadium is more than 80 percent complete.
This marks a major milestone in what is Kenya’s largest sports infrastructure project since independence.
The update was given following a high level joint inspection of the stadium and other key facilities within the expansive sports complex on Friday.
Speaking after the tour, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports Elijah Mwangi said the pace of construction was a clear indication that the project would be completed within the set timelines.
“This is proof that we are on course to deliver this project. The government is assuring Kenyans that AFCON will be held and that we have the facilities to successfully host the tournament,” said PS Mwangi.
He further disclosed that Kenya is expecting inspection delegations from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to begin visiting the country to assess preparedness ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
According to PS Mwangi, hosting a competition of AFCON’s magnitude requires a whole of government approach, with multiple agencies working in close coordination.
He noted that sectors such as security, transport, roads, water, energy and ICT will be critical in enhancing Kenya’s readiness to host the continental tournament.
The inspection team included Principal Secretaries Patrick Mariru (Defence), Dr. Raymond Omollo (Interior) and Stephen Isaboke (Broadcasting and Telecommunications).
Senior officials from the State Departments for Roads, Water, Transport and Energy, as well as senior Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers, were also present.
During the tour, officials walked through the main stadium to assess interior works and examined external developments, including progress on the two main outdoor pitches.
Defence PS Patrick Mariru said the project had already completed most of its critical structural components.
“The bulk of the work is done. That is the over 80 percent. What remains are works that can be completed within a very short period,” said PS Mariru.
He explained that the completed works include major superstructures supporting the façade and terraces where seating will be installed.
Ongoing works include installation of seats, mounting of giant screens, and setting up lighting and sound systems.
Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo praised the inter agency collaboration, describing it as a practical government approach aimed at delivering a worldnclass facility efficiently and maximizing results.
The Raila Odinga International Stadium, formerly known as Talanta Stadium, will serve as Kenya’s main venue for hosting AFCON next year.
Designed to host both football and rugby, the ultra modern facility will feature a state of the art canopy, a presidential pavilion and 52 luxury skyboxes.
[DNK-International@January 23,
