The government on Friday, September 12, announced that one of this year’s national holidays will take place at the Talanta Sports City Stadium, which is still under construction.

The update comes exactly three months before the expected completion of the flagship project, a key facility for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that Kenya will jointly host with Uganda and Tanzania.

Rising at Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road, the 60,000-capacity stadium marks Kenya’s first purpose-built international-standard venue in more than 40 years.

On Friday, September 12, Head of Creative Economy and Special Projects at the Office of the President, Dennis Itumbi, confirmed that this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations—set for December 12, 2025—will be staged at Talanta Sports City.

He added that planning discussions with Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano had already begun, noting that the celebrations will run under the theme Tourism, Wildlife, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

“This year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations will be held under the general theme of Tourism, Wildlife, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Talanta Stadium will host the country on 12th December 2025,” stated Itumbi in part.

“We held our first planning meeting with Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, where we agreed on forming an initial team to develop a comprehensive concept. Once the concept is finalised, detailed planning for the celebrations will begin.”

Itumbi’s announcement has now heightened pressure on contractors to fast-track the completion of Talanta Sports City, a stadium initially expected to be finalised between December 2025 and March 2026.

Planned as Kenya’s first purpose-built international stadium since Kasarani in 1987, the facility is designed to match global standards in technology, functionality, and sustainability.

With a 60,000-seat capacity, the arena will primarily serve football but will also be adaptable for rugby and high-profile concerts, making it a true multipurpose venue.

It will be fitted with an advanced broadcasting infrastructure that aligns with FIFA and CAF requirements.

The stadium will integrate modern features such as Video Assistant Referee (VAR), goal-line technology, and digital systems to enhance officiating, fan engagement, security, and event operations.

Parking will accommodate up to 3,000 vehicles across both underground and surface lots, reducing congestion during major events.

Sustainability is central to the project, with plans to include botanical gardens and green spaces to blend urban development with environmental stewardship. The China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), known for major infrastructure projects in Africa and Asia, is leading construction.

To speed up delivery, the government adopted an innovative financing strategy — the Infrastructure Asset-Backed Security (IABS) — a first for Kenya.

On July 23, 2025, the Linzi FinCo 003 Trust listed the Linzi 003 IABS on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, raising Ksh44.791 billion dedicated to building the stadium and related infrastructure.

The structure enables private investors to fund public projects in return for yields, with bonds secured by future revenues or project assets. Rated AA (KE)(IR) by GCR Moody’s, the notes carry a 15-year maturity to 2040 and an annual internal rate of return of 15.04%.

The issue closed on June 30, 2025, at 100.1889% subscription, slightly overshooting the target, with all valid bids accepted proportionally — a sign of strong investor confidence.

President Ruto praised the initiative as proof that financial markets can drive national transformation, lauding the NSE, Linzi FinCo Trust, and partners like LIAISON Group for pioneering a financing model that aligns private capital with public development goals.