Saitabao ole Kanchory cites graft in Talanta Stadium construction project
By Joel Masibo, January 10, 2026Renowned activist and lawyer Saitabao ole Kanchory has questioned the cost and scope of Kenya’s ongoing Talanta Stadium construction project, comparing it to Morocco’s massive investment in sports infrastructure.
Taking to X on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Kanchory noted that Morocco is building what is expected to be the largest stadium in the world as they prepare to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with a seating capacity of 115,000, alongside a fully developed mini-city around the facility, at an estimated cost of $500 million (about Kh65 billion).
By contrast, he pointed out that Kenya is putting up a 60,000-seater stadium, roughly the size of Kasarani Stadium, at a reported cost of Ksh45 billion, without major supporting infrastructure such as transport networks, commercial zones, hotels, or recreational facilities.
Morocco’s value for money
”Morocco is building the largest stadium in the world with a seating capacity of 115,000, complete with a mini-city around it at a cost of $500M (Ksh. 65B). Meanwhile, Kenya is building a 60K capacity stadium (the size of Kasarani stadium) with no supporting infrastructure at a cost of Ksh45B,” Kanchory stated.
His argument on the stark difference in value for money raises serious questions about public spending and accountability in Kenya, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic pressure, high taxation, and rising public debt.
Kanchory went further to warn that unchecked corruption and mismanagement could have long-term consequences for the nation’s development. “No country can survive the theft that is currently underway in Kenya,” he added.
His remarks come at a moment when Morocco is hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), boasting world-class stadiums as the country sends a statement to the rest of the world about its preparedness to host big international football tournaments. Among the stadiums is the iconic Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which has a seating capacity of 69,500, making it one of the largest stadiums on the continent.
Talanta Stadium progress
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has provided an update on the ongoing construction of the 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium, set to be renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium upon completion in 2026, revealing that the project is progressing steadily and remains on schedule ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement issued on Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo’s official X account on Saturday, December 27, 2025, the government highlighted significant milestones achieved in the construction of the world-class sports facility.
“External works have advanced with the installation of the stadium emblem, interior canopy works are nearing completion, and the playing surface is currently being precisely levelled to international standards,” Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo stated.
Interior canopy works are also nearing completion, while the playing surface is currently being precisely levelled to meet international standards, ensuring the facility will be ready to host major continental competitions.