Kenya ready for Bayern, Ajax showdown at Talanta

CS Mvurya with representatives of Bayern Munich and Ajax in Nairobi/HANDOUTSports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has assured Kenyans of the country’s readiness to host European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax in the historic opening match at Raila Odinga International Stadium on January 5, 2027.

The match will officially open the new stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, with representatives from the two clubs having visited Kenya to assess preparations and the country’s capacity to host the high-profile encounter.

Mvurya said the visit allowed the government and the clubs to discuss the match, which is expected to attract football fans from across the country and beyond.

“It was a distinct honour to host representatives of German football giants FC Bayern München and Dutch powerhouse AFC Ajax during their visit to Kenya to assess our preparedness and capacity to host a historic international football encounter at the Raila Odinga International Stadium, Talanta Sports City,” he said.

He added that the discussions had laid the groundwork for the January 5 clash. “Our discussions were fruitful and constructive, paving the way for the much-anticipated clash between the two European clubs, scheduled for January 5, 2027, in what promises to be a landmark moment for Kenyan football,” Mvurya said.

The CS said the government would adopt a coordinated, multi-agency approach to ensure adequate security, immigration, travel and hospitality arrangements for the teams, officials and international fans expected to attend.

He said key government departments were involved in the engagement, including the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Ministry of Interior and National Administration. Mvurya added that the government was working with corporate partners to support the event and sponsors will be unveiled in the coming days.

“In close collaboration with corporate partners, who will be unveiled in the coming days, we are working towards staging a successful event, while establishing sustainable partnerships that will ensure our modern sporting facilities remain vibrant, productive and economically viable,” he said.

Ajax have also confirmed the fixture, expressing excitement at facing Bayern in the stadium’s opening match. “We’re proud to announce that we will face FC Bayern in the opening match of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City in Nairobi, Kenya. “See you on January 5, FC Bayern München!” the Dutch club said.

The encounter is expected to give Kenyan fans an opportunity to watch some of Europe’s leading football stars, with Bayern boasting England captain Harry Kane, midfielder Jamal Musiala, winger Michael Olise and Germany international Joshua Kimmich. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is another major attraction.

Bayern have won the European Cup and UEFA Champions League six times, while Ajax have claimed the continental crown on four occasions.

Beyond the football spectacle, Mvurya said the match would showcase Kenya’s sporting infrastructure and strengthen the country’s profile as a sports tourism destination ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

“With preparations now underway, this landmark event presents an important opportunity to showcase Kenya’s world-class sporting infrastructure, inspire the next generation of football talent and provide Kenyan fans with an exceptional international football experience and further position the country as a leading global sports tourism destination,” he said.

Mvurya expressed confidence in the country’s ability to deliver a successful event, declaring: “Kenya is ready to welcome the world!”

Ticket sales are expected to begin on November 5 through the official Talanta Sports City platform.

Murkomen said the government would ensure adequate security, immigration services and travel facilitation for supporters travelling from across the world