Kenya is set to make history by unveiling Africa’s first stadium with a retractable roof once the multi-billion-shilling Talanta Stadium is completed.

Giving an update on the Ksh44 billion project on Thursday, September 11, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo noted that the roof will transform the stadium into a dynamic centre for community events.

“With a 60,000-spectator capacity, the stadium boasts an ultra-modern design that includes a computerised hydraulic tension cable lifting roof, an engineering feat found in only four stadiums worldwide,” PS Omollo stated on Thursday, September 11.

“Kenya will become the fifth nation globally to host this rare innovation, underlining the country’s growing ambition on the international stage.”

Retractable roofs in stadiums such as this one, set to be used during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), are large, movable roof structures designed to open and close depending on the weather, event, or preference.

Unlike fixed roofs, which permanently cover a stadium, retractable roofs offer flexibility by allowing the venue to function as both an open-air and indoor facility. They are usually made of steel frameworks covered with materials like fabric, metal panels, or lightweight membranes, and they operate using advanced engineering systems that slide, fold, or pivot the roof sections into place.

The main purpose of retractable roofs is to protect players, performers, and fans from adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow, or extreme heat. By closing the roof, games or events can continue without disruption, ensuring comfort and safety, thus saving organisers billions that would have been lost in ticket sales.

At the same time, when the weather is favourable, the roof can be opened to allow natural sunlight and ventilation, maintaining the outdoor stadium experience.

Beyond weather control, retractable roofs also enhance the versatility of stadiums. They make it possible for venues to host a wide range of events, from football and baseball games to concerts, conventions, and other large gatherings, regardless of the climate, providing a massive revenue injection channel for stadium operators.

They also improve acoustics and lighting for non-sporting events when closed, making the stadiums more attractive to organisers. 

On the other hand, closing the roof can boost the intensity of crowd noise, creating a more charged atmosphere during games. Football fans may have witnessed this while watching through their television screens heavyweight clashes in the UEFA Champions League, for example, with stadiums such as Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu having its roof closed to bump up the atmosphere and fan noise, providing extra energy for the home team and making it a daunting experience for the top visiting teams.

For the playing surface, retractable roofs play a vital role in stadiums that use natural grass. They allow sunlight and fresh air to reach the pitch when open, while offering protection from extreme weather when closed. This balance helps preserve healthy turf and minimises the need for artificial surfaces, which were more common in older enclosed arenas.

When the roof is open, the field benefits from natural daylight. In areas where parts of the pitch remain shaded, additional grow lights can be installed to support grass growth.

In short, retractable roofs combine engineering innovation with practical benefits, giving stadiums year-round usability and improving the fan experience.

PS Omollo disclosed that the retractable roof is being built using a computerised hydraulic tension cable lifting system, a rare engineering innovation applied in only a handful of stadiums worldwide. He highlighted that this advanced technology was central to the assembly process.

Omollo noted that only four stadiums globally currently use this system, with Kenya set to be the fifth nation to adopt it ahead of the 2027 AFCON. However, available research suggests the technology exists in at least eight stadiums across several countries.

The system itself is a high-tech mechanism that integrates powerful hydraulic jacks with networks of high-strength steel cables. A centralised computer system, functioning as the control hub, synchronises the jacks while monitoring cable tension and positioning to ensure precision and safety.

This approach allows the roof to be fully assembled on the ground before being lifted into position, significantly reducing labour demands and speeding up construction timelines. Once raised, the cables are finely tensioned to guarantee stability. Commonly referred to as the “big lift” method, this technique is primarily used during construction rather than in day-to-day roof operations.

Beyond the roof, the stadium will feature seven changing rooms, VIP lounges, modern locker facilities, advanced media centres, VAR booths, and goal-line technology.

These upgrades will position the venue to host major international matches and deliver high-quality live broadcasts. Completion of Talanta Stadium is expected by December this year or early 2026.