Kenya’s ROIS formerly Talanta Stadium Set to Host Bayern Munich vs Ajax
Kenya’s Talanta Stadium, now Raila Odinga Stadium, will host Bayern Munich vs Ajax on Jan 5, 2027, Pres Ruto says. Capacity, cost, tickets inside.
President William Ruto has announced that Kenya’s Talanta Stadium will host Bayern Munich vs Ajax on January 5, 2027. The match will officially open the Raila Odinga International Stadium, formerly known as Talanta Stadium. Kenyan football fans now have a historic date to circle on their calendars.
Bayern vs Ajax in Kenya Match Details
The friendly will kick off on Tuesday, January 5, 2027, in Nairobi. Six-time European champions Bayern Munich will face Dutch record champions Ajax Amsterdam. Both clubs will travel to Kenya during their winter break.
Organisers describe the fixture as the grand opening of the country’s new national stadium. Tickets go on sale on November 5, 2026, through the official Talanta Sports City website. Fans should buy only from official channels to avoid disappointment.
The two European giants have met ten times in competitive football. Bayern and Ajax each won three of those games, while four ended in draws. Their last meeting was a thrilling 3-3 draw in Amsterdam in December 2018. Bayern have lifted the European Cup six times, and Ajax have won it four times.
Why Talanta Stadium Is Now Raila Odinga International Stadium
President Ruto confirmed that Talanta Stadium now carries the name Raila Odinga International Stadium. The change honours the late Raila Odinga, Kenya’s longest-serving opposition leader. Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was among those who led calls for the new name.
Many Kenyans still use the original name, so both titles remain popular. You will also see it called Talanta Sports City and Talanta Sports Stadium in news reports and official documents.
Talanta Stadium Location
The Talanta Stadium location is Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road in Nairobi. The venue sits in Kibra Constituency, close to the city centre. Supporting infrastructure includes a Bus Rapid Transit line along Ngong Road and a dedicated railway station. A new link road also connects the Southern Bypass to the Bomas International Conference Centre.
Talanta Stadium Capacity and Features
The Talanta Stadium capacity stands at 60,000 seats, making it Kenya’s largest football stadium. It is also the first purpose-built international facility in the country since Kasarani opened in 1987.
The design has no athletics track, which keeps fans close to the action. Its silhouette is inspired by the Kenyan flag’s shield. The venue is built for both football and rugby. Key features include:
- A GrassMaster hybrid pitch with Bermuda grass
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and goal-line technology
- 52 luxury sky boxes
- Solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system
- Parking for about 3,000 vehicles
- Three additional pitches within the wider complex
The stadium is designed to meet CAF Category Four standards. It is also envisioned as a home for global concerts, cultural festivals and major entertainment events.
Cost of Talanta Stadium in Kenya
Many Kenyans have asked about the cost of Talanta Stadium. The construction contract is valued at about $344.5 million, or roughly Sh44.7 billion. The latest figure quoted for the project is about Sh45.85 billion.
Construction began on March 1, 2024, with China Road and Bridge Corporation as the contractor. Treasury first approved Sh35 billion for the project. Government officials have since explained the Sh10.85 billion variation. They noted that the initial figure was a consultant’s minimum construction estimate.
President Ruto has described the funding as a milestone for market-driven infrastructure financing. The state has also pledged to keep the signed contract cost steady as work continues.
Talanta Stadium and AFCON 2027
The venue is central to AFCON 2027, which Kenya co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania. Talanta is expected to stage the opening and final matches of the continental tournament. Officials say major structural works are largely complete. FIFA and CAF teams have also toured the site and praised the progress.
Other Kenyan venues are being upgraded for the tournament, including Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret is also being refurbished. Together, these projects give Kenya a stronger sporting infrastructure for years to come.
What the Bayern Munich vs Ajax Match Means for Kenya
Hosting Bayern Munich and Ajax signals confidence in Kenya’s ability to stage world-class events. The match should boost tourism, hotel bookings, transport services and small businesses across Nairobi. It will also give young Kenyan players a rare chance to watch elite football at home.
The German Embassy in Nairobi has also welcomed the fixture. Excitement is building across social media as fans await the ticket release.
Read: Harry Kane Ballon d’Or 2026 winner
Final Whistle
The Raila Odinga International Stadium, once known as Talanta Stadium, is nearly ready to welcome the world. With Bayern Munich and Ajax lined up, the opening promises a proud moment for Kenya. Football lovers should prepare early, follow official announcements and secure their seats on November 5.
