From VAR to 52 Skyboxes: Inside the Features of Kenya’s New 60,000-Seat Stadium

President William Ruto has highlighted the key features of the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi ahead of its planned official opening with a friendly match between Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam.

The two European clubs are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 5, 2027, at the 60,000-seat facility located at Talanta Sports City.

Ruto announced the fixture on October 28, 2026, saying both clubs had agreed to participate. The match is expected to mark the stadium’s official inauguration.

The president described the venue as a modern sports facility and noted that Kenya had not built another international stadium since Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, opened in 1987.

According to Ruto, the stadium has a hybrid playing surface, 52 skyboxes, video assistant referee (VAR) technology and goal-line technology.

He also praised the Kenyan workers who took part in the construction, saying their efforts had helped deliver a major sports facility for the country.

The stadium is named after former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Its opening match is also expected to showcase Kenya’s ability to host major international sporting events.

Bayern Munich have won the UEFA Champions League six times, while Ajax Amsterdam have lifted the trophy four times.

The clubs have met 10 times in competitive matches, recording three wins each and four draws. Their most recent meeting was a 3-3 draw in the Champions League in December 2018.

The fixture will mark Bayern Munich’s first visit to Kenya. The German club is expected to use the match during its winter break, while Ajax will prepare for the second half of its season.

The game also comes as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Tickets for the Bayern Munich-Ajax match are scheduled to go on sale on November 5, 2026, through the Talanta Sports City website.

Ticket prices and the official kick-off time had not been announced at the time of reporting. Kenyan broadcast arrangements were also yet to be confirmed.

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