Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya has disclosed when the Raila Odinga International Stadium – Talanta will be opened for test matches.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe multi-billion facility has been under construction since March 2024 after a groundbreaking ceremony that was presided over by President William Ruto.##NAJAVA_MECA_9901501##The facility which was initially set for completion in December 2025 but has since been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances is now 94% complete.With Talanta set to be Kenya's main facility for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), it is necessary that it be opened for testing before the continental tournament, a matter that Mvurya provided a timeline during an inspection tour on Wednesday 19 August.Outgoing Kahawa Pride CEO reveals how Harambee Stars assistant captain helped him secure top job“We had anticipated to have already had test matches but the contractor advised that we allow all works to be concluded.With the majority of works already complete, we expect the stadium to be ready by November from where we can test matches either in November or December,” said Mvurya.Nonetheless, the former Kwale Governor insisted that the test matches will only take place once the contractor, China Road and Bridge Cooperation (CRBC) gives it a clean bill of health.“We are not in a hurry to have it by then. We want to give the contractor the space to finish all his duties then we can use it once ready. The most important thing is that we are almost done with AFCON almost a year away,” he added.Talanta Sports City Stadium nears completion (Photos)CECAFA President Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam had initially revealed that Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had expressed interest in hosting the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup and using the tournament to test the facility.“Kenya has already requested us to host the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, which they also want to use to launch one of their new stadiums," said the CECAFA boss in July.
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