A few days ago, Kenya’s Head of State William Ruto announced a historic milestone in the country’s sporting journey, ushering in a new era for our country on the global football stage.
On January 5th, 2027, Kenya will officially inaugurate the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City with a spectacular international encounter between two European football giants, Bayern Munich of Germany and Ajax of the Netherlands, both multiple UEFA Champions League winners.
According to Sports Minister Salim Mvurya, this landmark event is in line with the government’s ambition to position Kenya as a leading destination for international sporting events, unlock the immense economic potential of sports tourism, attract investment and ensure that world-class sporting infrastructure remains commercially viable and financially sustainable.
“I am pleased to confirm that operational preparations are at an advanced stage to ensure that Kenya not only successfully hosts this historic football encounter but also delivers an extraordinary sporting and entertainment experience of a scale and quality rarely witnessed on the African continent,” said Mvurya.
“The experience will feature dedicated concierge services, a spectacular 12-hour fan festival, world-class entertainment featuring leading international artists and a series of exciting activities designed to celebrate sporting excellence, honor our sporting heroes and showcase the very best of Kenya to the world.”
Ticket sales and accessibility
Tickets for this historic encounter will officially go on sale on Thursday, November 5th, at 6.00 p.m. East African time, exclusively through the official website, www.TalantaSportsCity.com.
The tickets will be released in phases across multiple seating categories, with prices starting from as low as Kshs. 2,500 (approximately 19.25 USD).
Supporters have been encouraged to secure tickets within the announced sales windows, as availability in sold-out categories cannot be guaranteed in subsequent phases.
“We further urge all supporters to purchase tickets exclusively through official channels and make payments only to verified accounts to avoid fraudulent transactions,” explained Mvurya.
Skyboxes and premium hospitality packages will also be available, offering exclusive matchday experiences. All enquiries and bookings for these packages should be directed through the dedicated hospitality email: hospitality.talantasportscity.com.
Private sector support
“I wish to further confirm that this historic encounter is fully funded through private-sector support, demonstrating the growing confidence of corporate partners in Kenya’s sports industry and its immense commercial potential,” offered Mvurya.
Meanwhile, Mvurya has made it clear that both Bayern and Ajax will send their best possible starting XI, with 2026 Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane among the star players expected.
“Both Bayern Munich and Ajax have made firm commitments, in writing, to field their best possible starting elevens for this historic encounter,” said Mvurya.
“Let me be absolutely clear: this will not be a legends match or an academy-team exhibition. Both clubs have committed to presenting their strongest possible first-team line-ups.
“We are therefore, preparing to welcome two of Europe’s most celebrated football clubs, bringing their elite football talent to Kenyan soil for an exceptional international sporting spectacle.”
About the Stadium?
The Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City is a 60,000-seat venue designed to welcome the world’s best athletes, leading international competitions, live entertainment and the fans who make every occasion extraordinary.
It represents Kenya’s ambition to build a lasting home for major events. From international football fixtures and continental tournaments to concerts and major cultural celebrations, the stadium is intended to provide a stage for events that capture the imagination of audiences in Kenya and beyond.
The Raila Odinga International Stadium is a significant part of Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the PAMOJA partnership.
Dress rehearsal for AFCON 2027
Beyond showcasing Kenya’s capacity to host world-class international sporting events, this historic encounter will serve as a critical dress rehearsal for the AFCON PAMOJA 2027, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The match will provide an invaluable opportunity to test Kenya’s stadium operations, security arrangements, transport systems, hospitality services, crowd management and other critical infrastructure under real international match conditions.
“It is for this reason that I have directed the AFCON 2027 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) to take the lead in planning, coordinating and executing this historic event, working closely with all relevant Government Ministries and agencies, sports stakeholders and private-sector partners,” added Mvurya.
“Our objective is clear: to deliver an exceptional international football experience while demonstrating Kenya’s operational readiness to successfully host AFCON PAMOJA 2027.”
Mvurya concluded: “I invite all Kenyans and all fans across world to be part of this historic occasion as we open a new chapter in Kenya’s sporting journey. The stage is set. Kenya is ready. Let us make history together.”
These preparations will complement the formal inspections, standards and approvals required for AFCON 2027.