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.