By Dorothy Musyoka
The government has announced that the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium, is over 80 percent complete; marking another major milestone towards delivering Kenya’s biggest sports infrastructural project since independence.
The update was given following a high-level joint inspection of the stadium and associated facilities within the expansive sports complex, led by the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports, Mr. Elijah Mwangi.
The inspection underscored the government’s confidence in completing the ultra-modern facility within the set timelines.
Other Principal Secretaries present in the joint inspection tour include Patrick Mariru (Defense), Dr. Raymond Omollo (Interior) and Stephen Isaboke (Broadcast and Telecommunications).
State Department for Roads, Water, Transport, Energy and senior KDF officials were also represented by senior officials.
“This is proof that we are on course to deliver this project. The government is assuring Kenyans that AFCON will be held and we have the facilities to execute that tournament,” said PS Mwangi.
He also disclosed that the country was expecting top delegations and inspections team from Confederation of African Football (CAF) to start visiting the country to assess the status of Kenya’s infrastructure ahead of the AFCON tournament.
PS Mwangi emphasized that successfully hosting a tournament of AFCON’s magnitude requires seamless inter-agency coordination. He cited security, transport, roads, water, energy, and ICT as critical enablers of Kenya’s readiness to host the continental competition.
He cited security, transport, roads, water, energy and ICT among several others that will play a critical role in enhancing Kenya’s readiness to host the tournament.
PS Patrick Mariru (Defence) said the project was well on course with most critical functions already done.
He said the 80 percent was the most critical works of setting up the superstructures to support the façade and the terraces where the seats will be installed.
“The bulk of the work is done. That is the over 80 percent. The remaining constitutes of works that can be done within a very short period,” he said.
He cited the installation of seats, the putting up of giant screens and setting the lighting and sound systems as some of the works that were also ongoing.
Hailing the project progress, the Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo said the inter-agency approach in delivering a world-class stadium was part of the government’s practical approach for enhancing effectively and maximizing results.
Formerly known as Talanta Stadium, the Raila Odinga International Stadium will serve as Kenya’s main venue for the AFCON tournament next year.
Designed to host both football and rugby, the world-class facility will feature a modern canopy, a presidential pavilion and 52 luxury skyboxes.