Kenya dealt a blow in the construction of stadia earmarked for AFCON 2027

Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have hit a major setback following an audit report revealing significant financial losses in the construction of the Talanta Stadium.

The stadium, a flagship project for the tournament, is currently under construction and was expected to be a key venue for the continental football showpiece.

A recent report by Auditor-General Nancy Gathungu has exposed financial mismanagement in the construction of the multi-billion-shilling stadium.

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The audit highlights various financial difficulties within the sports department, including funding shortages, delayed disbursement to sports federations, and pending bills surpassing KSh 300 million.

“In the circumstances, the value for money to be realised from the expenditure of Sh1,200,290,692 could not be confirmed,” Gathungu stated, as quoted by Nation.

The audit further noted the absence of an audit committee, a violation of legal requirements, raising concerns over transparency and accountability in the project’s execution.

Kenya, together with Uganda and Tanzania, is set to co-host the 2027 AFCON, marking a historic moment for East African football.

Talanta Stadium, a state-of-the-art 60,000-seater stadium, is envisioned as the tournament's centerpiece.

The venue will supplement other stadiums under renovation, including Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo National Stadium, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

Construction of the stadium began on March 1, 2023, with a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by President William Ruto.

Then-Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba announced that the contractor had agreed to relocate some structures within the venue to facilitate the project.

Despite the audit revelations, work on the stadium’s playing surface is underway.

Recent footage seen by Pulse Sports shows ongoing installation of a modern drainage system to ensure top-quality pitch conditions.

The field, designed to meet FIFA standards with dimensions of 105 meters by 68 meters,