Talanta Stadium: Government Makes U-Turn After Criticism Over ‘Inferior Seats’

Following criticism from Kenyans over the quality of seats at the Talanta Stadium, the government has reacted by procuring a new batch to be installed at the ultra-modern facility.

Kenyans have been impressed by the progress of the 60,000-seater facility which will be the main venue for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations matches in the country but one this left them fuming.

That was the type of seats chosen for the facility after some fixed, non-foldable plastic bucket seats were installed at the stadium.

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Instead of the sleek, foldable seats that maximises spectator comfort and modern aesthetics, used in modern stadiums across the world, Kenyans were surprised when bright yellow and green plastic seats were installed at Talanta Stadium, which has now been renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium.

The feeling was the government sacrificed high standards and fan comfort by opting for low budget seats for what has been promised to be a ‘jewel of Africa’ when it comes to sporting facilities on the continent.

Those pleas have been heard and the government has opted to remove the unwanted seats and procured new ones that will meet international standards with experts arguing that the fixed seats collect more dirt, wear and tear quickly and significantly reduces the legroom available to fans.

Foldable seats are what FIFA and CAF advocate for and were installed at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums after renovations last year ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024).

It is not clear how the low budget fixed seats were therefore chosen for Talanta Stadium, a modern and superior facility to the other two, whose construction is set to cost the state nearly Ksh45 billion.

Talanta Stadium is 85 per cent complete with final details on the main pitch, training grounds and infrastructure in and around it still needed to get it up and running.

The project, funded through an innovative Ksh44.7 billion infrastructure bond, includes three training pitches, luxury skyboxes, and integrated rail links to ease fan transportation among many other facilities.