Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the long-awaited Talanta Sports City is nearing completion, describing the 60,000-seat ultra-modern facility as a landmark national project that will redefine the country’s sporting infrastructure and create a lasting legacy for future generations.
During an impromptu inspection of the construction works at the stadium along Ngong Road in Nairobi on Tuesday, the Deputy President praised hundreds of workers labouring around the clock to ensure the project is completed on schedule, saying history would remember them as the people who physically built one of Kenya’s greatest national monuments.
Addressing workers at the site, Prof. Kindiki said he had deliberately chosen to visit the project after President William Ruto had made several inspections, noting that he also wanted to personally appreciate the dedication of the young men and women working day and night to deliver the ambitious project.
“Today I decided to pass by and check on you. I know President William Ruto has been here several times, so I also wanted to come and personally see the patriotic Kenyans who are undertaking this great and historic assignment,” he said.
The Deputy President thanked the workers for their commitment, saying the development of any nation depends on the efforts of its citizens.
“A country is built by its own people. When you look at developed nations such as the United States and Singapore, you see quality roads, stadiums and modern infrastructure because their citizens built them. History will record that you built Talanta Sports City with your own hands, and your contribution will remain long after we are gone,” he said.
Prof. Kindiki emphasized that although the workers would earn wages for their labour, their greatest reward would be knowing they had contributed to building one of Kenya’s most significant national assets.
“You are contributing to one of our country’s milestone legacy projects. Beyond the salaries you receive, you are helping the Republic of Kenya acquire world-class infrastructure that will serve generations to come,” he said.
The Deputy President noted that Talanta Sports City marks a historic milestone, pointing out that Kenya had not built a completely new international stadium since the completion of Kasarani Stadium in 1987, nearly four decades ago.
“The magnificent 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City is almost ready. Awesome in size and beautiful to behold, it is the first international stadium to be built in this country since the completion of Kasarani Stadium in 1987,” he said.
He said the project demonstrates the government’s renewed commitment to revitalising sports and nurturing young talent through investment in modern facilities.
According to Prof. Kindiki, Talanta Sports City is part of an unprecedented national sports infrastructure programme being undertaken by President Ruto’s administration.
He revealed that, besides the ongoing modernization of Kasarani International Stadium and the installation of a canopy at Nyayo National Stadium, the government is simultaneously constructing 31 new stadiums across the country.
“Across Kenya, we have 31 stadiums outside Nairobi under construction. They meet international standards and each will have the capacity to host more than 10,000 spectators. Our goal is to ensure every county has at least one quality sports facility where young people can nurture and showcase their talents,” he said.
The Deputy President described the nationwide stadium programme as the most extensive sports infrastructure initiative ever undertaken in Kenya, stretching from Mombasa to Busia and from Wajir to Lodwar.
Prof. Kindiki also linked the sports infrastructure programme to the government’s broader employment agenda, saying thousands of young Kenyans are benefiting from jobs created through the construction of stadiums, affordable housing projects and the Nairobi River Regeneration Programme.
He assured workers that employment opportunities would continue even after Talanta Sports City is completed.
“We have many affordable housing projects and other national development programmes lined up. When Talanta Sports City is completed, there will still be plenty of work for our young people as we continue transforming our country into a developed nation,” he said.
The Deputy President urged the youth to remain focused on productive work and avoid being drawn into divisive political activities.
“We will continue constructing affordable houses, stadiums and implementing the Nairobi River Regeneration Project so that many young people can secure jobs, earn a living and not be misled by politicians engaging in cheap politics,” he said.
Prof. Kindiki further commended the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) for supervising contractors and helping ensure quality workmanship and timely completion of the project.
“Our Defence Forces have made us proud. Besides protecting our country, they are now playing a key role in the development of national infrastructure by supervising these projects and ensuring they meet the required standards,” he said.
He noted that the adoption of a 24-hour construction schedule, coupled with KDF supervision, had significantly accelerated progress at the stadium.
The Deputy President pledged to continue making regular inspections of the project, revealing that he and President Ruto had agreed to alternate their visits until construction is complete.
“When the President visits during the day, I will come at night, and when he comes at night, I will visit during the day. We will continue monitoring this project until it is fully completed,” he said.
Once completed, Talanta Sports City is expected to become one of Africa’s premier sporting venues, positioning Kenya to host major continental and international sporting competitions while providing a modern home for the country’s athletes and football fans.
