The government recently decided to modernize and expand the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium into a world-class facility, recognizing this as a major step forward for the country’s preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Apart from providing sports infrastructure, the project aims to support local talent, create opportunities for young people, and improve Kenya’s hosting capacity of major regional and international sports events.
Speaking about the progress, Interior PS Raymond Omollo said the current Phase II works are a continuation of the first phase that provided a football pitch that meets FIFA standards, VIP pavilions, locker rooms, and basketball courts. This phase is being a collaborative effort between the National Government and Siaya County Government, with the Kenya Defence Forces acting as the constructor.
To accommodate increased spectators, the stadium’s current 5, 000 capacity will be tripled to 15, 000, 20, 000. The upgrade also includes the installation of structural steel columns for a full, roof canopy giving coverage to spectators.
The venue will have a standard, sized football pitch of 110m by 68m, a 400, metre tartan track with eight lanes, and other amenities. It won’t only host high, level competitions, but also act as a centre for sports talent development in the region.
According to Omollo, the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration has been helping the project by coordinating national government functions at the county level, facilitating engagement with stakeholders, and supervising the security planning to guarantee both construction works and future sporting events attracted large crowds.
Upgrading the stadium is only one step of Kenya’s comprehensive plan to enhance sports infrastructure that’s yet to be seen during the country’s hosting of AFCON 2027 and to make it an internationally renowned destination for sporting events.