A section of MPs have raised minor concerns about the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium but also praised the progress of the state-of-the-art facility ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee made the remarks on Thursday, 1 October, after inspecting the stadium to assess Kenya’s preparedness for the continental tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.The committee, led by its Chairperson Dan Wanyama, was informed that the stadium had reached 94 per cent overall completion, with the main stadium works at 95 per cent, outdoor training facilities at 92 per cent, and external works at 93 per cent.##NAJAVA_MECA_9998545##Wanyama said the inspection had given the committee confidence that Kenya would be ready to host the tournament.“As a committee, our tour has given us an indication that all is well and Kenya will be in a position to host AFCON because so far what is remaining is so minor and we want to appreciate the work that has been done,” said the administrator.He described the facility as a modern stadium that represents value for taxpayers and said the government had delivered infrastructure that would benefit future generations of athletes.Miheso takes football sabbatical to pursue Master's at prestigious Dutch institution“The government has delivered a stadium of a modern stature. When you walk around here, for sure you will see that there is value for money and that Kenya is ready to host AFCON come 2027,” he added.Despite expressing confidence in the progress, lawmakers raised questions on several areas they consider critical to the successful hosting of the tournament.Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna sought clarification on access roads and crowd movement, particularly how large numbers of fans would be transported to and from the stadium.🔴 LIVE BLOG: Bajaber, Ben-Stanley start for Harambee Stars against GuineaHe also asked about the availability of nearby hospitals and medical facilities for players, officials, and spectators.Turbo MP Janet Sitienei wanted to know whether the stadium and its supporting infrastructure were meeting CAF requirements while also seeking updates on the designated training facilities.Sitienei further questioned whether the available water supply would be sufficient to serve the large crowds expected during AFCON and called for measures to maximise sports tourism before, during, and after the tournament.Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, meanwhile, raised concerns over the leadership disputes within Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and sought clarification on whether the issues could affect Kenya's preparations for the tournament.Mombasa United draw first blood against Kariobangi Sharks in controversial playoffsProject architect Major Engineer Victor King’e told the committee that the stadium would have medical centres on every floor, as well as a major medical facility on the ground floor equipped to handle emergencies and anti-doping requirements.The facility will have a one-million-litre auxiliary water tank supplied by the Nairobi City Water and Sewerage Company.This will be supported by two 60,000-litre backup tanks and two boreholes.Harambee Starlets midfielder joins Greek giantsThe stadium will also have eight generators capable of providing the required power when operating at full capacity, while solar power has been incorporated to support external features, including street lighting.Once construction is completed, the stadium is expected to undergo approximately three months of testing and commissioning before it is ready for AFCON 2027.##NAJAVA_MECA_9993651##The tournament is scheduled to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027, with matches to be staged across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.The parliamentary committee is expected to next tour the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to assess the progress of renovation works ahead of the tournament.
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