By Robert Mutasi 
President William Ruto has announced that Bayern Munich of Germany will face Ajax Amsterdam of the Netherlands in the opening match of the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium on January 5, 2027.
The President made the announcement while in Russia to attend the Third Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum, where he also unveiled the stadium, formerly known as Talanta Sports City.
Ruto described the facility as a fulfilment of his government’s commitment to developing world-class sports infrastructure capable of attracting international competitions and boosting Kenya’s global sporting profile.
The stadium, located along Ngong Road in Nairobi, has a seating capacity of 60,000 and features a hybrid playing surface, 52 sky boxes, Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) and goal-line technology.
The President said the project, whose construction began in March 2024, represented a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to modernise its sporting facilities and create opportunities for local athletes.
The announcement of the Bayern Munich vs Ajax Amsterdam friendly on January 5, 2027, is expected to generate excitement among Kenyan football fans, who will have an opportunity to watch two of Europe’s renowned clubs compete on home soil.
Ruto highlighted the significance of the fixture, linking Bayern Munich’s German heritage to the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, whose name the stadium will bear.
He also drew parallels between Ajax’s reputation for nurturing young football talent and the Kiswahili word Talanta, meaning talent.
The President said the opening match would be supported through corporate partnerships and a commercially sustainable model intended to attract private investment and generate revenue.
Ruto said naming the facility after Raila Odinga was a fitting tribute to the former Prime Minister, who was widely known for his passion for football.
The stadium is expected to provide a modern venue for football and rugby while supporting the development of sporting talent across the country.
The President also linked the project to Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Tanzania and Uganda under the Pamoja initiative.
He said the facility would help strengthen Kenya’s capacity to host major international sporting events while boosting tourism, creating jobs and attracting investment.
The Bayern Munich vs Ajax Amsterdam encounter is set to be a major highlight of the stadium’s launch, placing Nairobi in the spotlight as Kenya seeks to expand its presence on the international sporting stage.
Baraka Simba 
Eldoret Leo