By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, June 30 ,2026 - The Kenyan government has officially declared Talanta Sports City a protected area, restricting public access to the multi-billion-shilling sports complex as construction enters its final phase ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The declaration was made through a Gazette Notice issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who invoked Section 3(1) of the Protected Areas Act to designate the stadium as a protected facility.
"(1) Talanta Sports City, situated in the place described in the Schedule hereto, is declared to be a protected area for the purposes of the Protected Areas Act."
The Gazette Notice further states that members of the public will not be permitted to enter the facility without authorization from the Interior Cabinet Secretary or another designated authority.
"(2) No person shall be in Talanta Sports City without the permission of the Cabinet Secretary or the prescribed authority."
The notice also grants oversight responsibilities to the Director-General of Sports Kenya, who will oversee access and security within the facility.
The decision comes as construction of the 60,000-seat stadium nears completion. Located at the former Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road in Nairobi, Talanta Sports City is one of Kenya's flagship infrastructure projects and will serve as one of the principal venues when Kenya co-hosts the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
President William Ruto recently announced that the stadium is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026, adding that the government plans to replicate the model by constructing 28 additional modern stadiums across the country to expand sports infrastructure and nurture talent.
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The Talanta Sports City project is being constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under the supervision of the Kenya Defence Forces Engineering Department. Once complete, the complex will feature a FIFA and CAF-compliant football stadium, hospitality facilities, commercial spaces and modern spectator amenities designed to meet international tournament standards.
Government officials say restricting access at this stage is intended to protect critical infrastructure, safeguard ongoing construction works and ensure the facility meets security requirements before it is officially commissioned.
The protected status means unauthorized entry into the stadium precincts will constitute an offence under the Protected Areas Act, with access limited to authorized personnel, contractors, government officials and other individuals granted permission by the designated authorities.
The move underscores the government's determination to deliver the stadium on schedule as Kenya accelerates preparations for AFCON 2027, one of the continent's biggest sporting events, which is expected to boost tourism, create jobs and enhance the country's international profile.