Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has compared Nairobi’s new Raila Odinga International Stadium to some of Europe’s leading football venues, including Manchester United’s Old Trafford and Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena. He made the remarks while addressing residents during an economic empowerment event in Makutano, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Friday, October 30.

Murkomen described the facility, previously known as Talanta Stadium, as a modern sporting venue capable of hosting major international competitions. He also mentioned Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium among the grounds he believes are comparable to the new Nairobi facility. He further claimed that Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium was smaller.

The CS pointed to the January 5, 2027, friendly between Bayern Munich and Ajax as the first major event planned for the 60,000-seat stadium. The match will officially open the facility as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Murkomen said Kenyan football supporters would have an opportunity to watch internationally recognised players, including England captain Harry Kane and French winger Michael Olise. He added that the government hopes to attract more European football clubs, mentioning Arsenal and Manchester United as possible future visitors.

Beyond football, Murkomen said the government also wanted to host major music performances and international rugby matches at the venue. He argued that such events could attract foreign visitors, increase tourism and create business opportunities for Kenyans. He specifically mentioned destinations such as Mombasa and Lamu as places that could benefit from increased tourist activity.

The January fixture will therefore serve as an early opportunity to showcase Kenya’s new sporting infrastructure to an international audience. Its success could influence future efforts to attract major sporting and entertainment events to the country.

https://k24.digital/sports/murkomen-raila-odinga-international-stadium-is-in-same-class-as-man-uniteds-old-trafford