If you have been following the latest news events in the past year or so, then you should be aware that Kenya is among the three East African nations (alongside Tanzania and Uganda) that will host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in June and July 2027. For these reasons, the Country, through the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, has launched an ambitious plan to upgrade all its stadiums in preparation for the 2027 AFCON. President William Ruto recently announced plans to construct 25 new stadiums across the country as part of these preparations, marking the most significant sports infrastructure investment in Kenya’s history.
Therefore, in this article, we decided to include a comprehensive list of the best stadiums in Kenya right now to help you stay up to date with the latest information. These stadiums offer unique features, from state-of-the-art broadcasting infrastructure to eco-friendly designs, setting a new benchmark for African sports facilities. Many are currently undergoing extensive renovations to meet the standards of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with construction projects overseen by international partners, including the China Road and Bridge Corporation.
Top Football Stadiums In Kenya
As we approach 2027, the year will mark the first time Kenya has hosted such games since losing the hosting rights for the 1996 AFCON to South Africa. However, come 2027, it is a sure bet, and the plans underway are massive, as evident from the stadiums discussed in this section. The African football body CAF has already conducted venue inspections, with President Dr. Motsepe personally visiting key facilities to assess their progress and compliance with international standards.
Talanta Sports City
First on our List is the Talanta Sports City stadium, which has been under construction since March 1, 2024, and is expected to be completed by March 2026. It is designed to feature state-of-the-art technology for broadcasting and gameplay, including VAR (Video Assistant Referee) and goal-line technology, a hybrid grass pitch, LED floodlighting, and high-definition media facilities. The stadium is designed to accommodate 60,000 spectators, making it the largest in Kenya upon completion, and its primary focus is football and rugby matches, with no athletics track. The stadium is located in the Jamhuri Grounds area along Ngong Road and is being constructed under a public-private partnership with the China Road and Bridge Corporation, with oversight from the Kenya Defence Forces Engineering Department.
Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani)
The Moi International Sports Centre, commonly referred to as Kasarani Stadium, is perhaps one of the most established stadiums in Kenya. It was built in 1987 and currently has a capacity of 48,063 following recent renovations. It includes the stadium, indoor arena, aquatic complex, and hotel features. In 2024 and 2026, the stadium underwent major renovations, including the installation of a larger roof, upgrades to the floodlights to 3,000 Lux, and the addition of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) cameras, all in preparation for the upcoming 2027 AFCON. The comprehensive upgrades focus not only on expanding capacity but also on modernizing player facilities, spectator amenities, and media infrastructure to meet continental standards.
Nyayo National Stadium
The Nyayo National Stadium, one of Kenya’s oldest football stadiums, is set to play a significant role in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. Opened in 1983, it is a FIFA-approved stadium with a current seating capacity of approximately 18,000 following renovations for AFCON 2027. Its unique features include a 50-meter swimming pool, an indoor gymnasium with a capacity of 2,500, and handball and volleyball training courts [web:16]. Nyayo Stadium is the home ground for the AFC Leopards football club and houses the Football Kenya Federation headquarters. Recent upgrades have focused on improving seating comfort, lighting systems, turf quality, air-conditioned changing rooms with refrigeration for cold baths, enhanced drainage systems, and additional washroom facilities.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium
The Kipchoge Keino Stadium, a key international standard stadium in Kenya located in Eldoret, is named after the retired Olympic champion Kipchoge Keino. Currently, it has a capacity of 10,000, but with ongoing renovations for the upcoming AFCON games, it is set to expand to 15,000-16,000. The stadium has a rich history of hosting significant events, such as the 2016 Athletics Kenya Olympic Trials, underscoring its experience in hosting major sports events. The facility serves as a crucial venue for athletics development in the Rift Valley region.
William Ole Ntimama Stadium
William Ole Ntimama Stadium, a key stadium in Kenya, is located in Narok County. It was named in honor of the late politician William Ole Ntimama in 2021. With a seating capacity of 20,000, it is one of the largest stadiums outside Nairobi County. While it may not host AFCON games, it plays a crucial role in promoting local sports, serving as a venue for Kenya Premier League matches and community sporting events. The stadium represents significant infrastructure development in Kenya’s rural regions.
Bukhungu Stadium
Bukhungu Stadium, a key landmark in Kenya located in Kakamega County, is currently undergoing serious renovations in preparation for the highly anticipated African Cup of Nations. It holds historical significance as one of Kenya’s oldest sporting venues, with its origins dating back to 1936, after the playoffs between North Nyanza and the English team Remington FC. With ongoing FIFA- and CAF-compliant renovations, the stadium is expected to have a seating capacity of approximately 30,000, setting the stage for an exciting event in 2027. The facility has been designated as one of the official AFCON 2027 host venues, with periodic reviews to ensure completion by September 2026, as directed by President William Ruto.
Kenyatta Stadium (Machakos)
Kenyatta Stadium is located in Machakos County and is named after Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta. It was officially opened in 2013 and has a total seating capacity of approximately 10,000. The stadium serves as the official home venue for various football clubs and has hosted notable events, including matches during the 2013 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup. The facility represents the government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure beyond the capital city.
Afraha Stadium (Nakuru)
Afraha Stadium is located in Nakuru County near Lake Nakuru. Founded in 1948, it holds the distinction of being the second-oldest stadium in Kenya after Bukhungu Stadium. It currently serves as the home of both Nakuru AllStars and Ulinzi Stars in the Kenyan Premier League. Renovations are currently underway, with support from the World Bank since 2021. The stadium currently has a capacity of 8,200 spectators. Afraha Stadium holds the distinction of being the only stadium in Kenya to have regularly hosted political meetings, particularly during the KANU era under former President Daniel arap Moi.
Ulinzi Sports Complex
As the name suggests, “Ulinzi” (meaning defense in Swahili), the Ulinzi Sports Complex is affiliated with the Kenya Defence Forces and serves as home to the Ulinzi Stars football club. Located in the Langata area of Nairobi, the Ulinzi Sports Complex is more than just a sports facility. It features a 7,500-capacity football stadium with an eight-lane athletics track, two training grounds, basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts, an indoor arena, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and hockey and rugby grounds. The facility’s multi-purpose nature makes it a comprehensive sports development center.
Dandora Stadium
The Dandora Stadium is located in Nairobi County in the Dandora area. It was officially opened in March 2024, following construction that began in 2018, representing a significant investment in community sports infrastructure. The facility has a seating capacity of 4,000, an artificial turf football pitch, modern floodlights, and contemporary utility rooms. This stadium serves as an important example of sports development reaching into Kenya’s urban informal settlements.
FAQs
Which stadium has the highest capacity in Kenya?
What is the largest stadium in Kenya in 2026?
As of 2026, Talanta Sports City is set to become Kenya’s largest stadium, with a capacity of 60,000 seats. The stadium is under construction at Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road in Nairobi and is expected to be completed by March 2026, making it one of the largest and most modern stadiums in East Africa.
What are the top 10 biggest stadiums in Kenya?
The top 10 biggest stadiums in Kenya by capacity are: Talanta Sports City (60,000), Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani (48,063), Bukhungu Stadium (30,000 after renovations), Kipchoge Keino Stadium (15,000-16,000 after expansion), Nyayo National Stadium (18,000), William Ole Ntimama Stadium (20,000), Kenyatta Stadium Machakos (10,000), Afraha Stadium (8,200), Ulinzi Sports Complex (7,500), and Dandora Stadium (4,000).
What is the most expensive stadium in Kenya?
Talanta Sports City is the most expensive stadium in Kenya, with a construction cost of Ksh 44.7 billion (approximately $344.5 million). The stadium is being built by China Road and Bridge Corporation under a public-private partnership, with construction beginning on March 1, 2024, and expected to be completed in March 2026.
Which stadiums in Kenya will host AFCON 2027?
Five Kenyan stadiums have been confirmed to host AFCON 2027 matches: Talanta Sports City (60,000 capacity), Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani (48,063 capacity), Nyayo National Stadium (18,000 capacity), Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret (15,000-16,000 capacity after expansion), and Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega (30,000 capacity after renovations).
