A new report from the Office of the Auditor-General has revealed that the cost of constructing Talanta Stadium along Ngong Road in Nairobi has been inflated by at least KSh10.85 billion.
Procurement Irregularities Raised
The audit questions the unexplained price variation in the construction of the 60,000-seater stadium, noting that the method used to award the tender allegedly violated procurement laws.
The report further indicates that the clearance of the Office of the Attorney General was not sought before the contract was awarded.
Cost Rises to KSh45.85 Billion
According to the audit findings, the National Treasury had approved KSh35 billion for the project. The funds were to be drawn from the Sports and Arts Social Development Fund (SASDF) under a six-year payment plan.
However, auditors flagged an unsupported price variation of KSh10.85 billion, pushing the total project cost to KSh45.85 billion.
Auditor General Nancy Gathungu also raised concerns about financial probity, stating that key details of the funding model were not provided to auditors. She noted that only a special audit would determine whether the project offers value for money.
Key AFCON 2027 Venue
Talanta Stadium is being built to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards and is expected to serve as a premier venue during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Beyond football, the stadium is envisioned as a multi-purpose facility for concerts, cultural festivals and national celebrations, positioning it as a major boost to Kenya’s sporting and creative economy.
