Bayern Munich Play Ajax Amsterdam in official opening of Raila Odinga Stadium
The most successful club in German football Bayern Munich and Dutch soccer Ajax Amsterdam will face off in a high-profile friendly on January 5th, 2027, to officially open the Raila Odinga International Stadium, formerly Talanta Stadium.
President William Ruto made the announcement while addressing the nation on Wednesday, 28 October in a televised broadcast.
The two European giants will face off in a historic fixture to officially inaugurate the 60,000-seater stadium, whose construction has now been completed.
Both clubs have since confirmed their participation, with Bayern announcing that they will travel to Nairobi for the New Year fixture.
“A special match to kick off the new year: FC Bayern travels to Nairobi on January 5, 2027, and will face Ajax Amsterdam as part of the ceremonial opening of the new national stadium, Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City,” Bayern said in a statement.
Ajax also welcomed the fixture, confirming that they would face the German champions 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 stated.
The stadium has been under construction since its groundbreaking ceremony in March 2024, with the project estimated to cost Ksh45.8 billion (approximately $350 million).
The facility is designed to become one of Kenya's premier sporting venues, with a 60,000-seat capacity and modern infrastructure intended to accommodate major international football and rugby events.
One of its standout features is a trackless design, which eliminates the traditional athletics running track and brings spectators closer to the playing surface.
The configuration is expected to enhance visibility and create a more immersive match-day atmosphere.
The stadium's exterior features a geometric white lattice façade incorporating decorative Maasai shield and spear motifs inspired by the Kenyan flag.
A programmable LED lighting system is also designed to illuminate the structure with changing colours and patterns at night.
The venue is equipped with a roof canopy designed to cover all 60,000 seats, offering protection from the elements while maintaining unobstructed views of the pitch.
Its playing surface features a hybrid grass system combining natural Bermuda grass with synthetic fibres, designed to improve durability, drainage and recovery under intensive use.
The stadium is also designed to meet FIFA and CAF Category 4 requirements, with modern broadcast facilities, dedicated Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rooms, LED display systems and high-quality television lighting to support international fixtures.
Beyond the main seating bowl, the facility includes 52 corporate skyboxes, VIP lounges, presidential suites and dedicated media facilities.
Seven team changing rooms have been incorporated to support major events and multi-match schedules.
The wider complex also features three auxiliary training pitches, including one with an eight-lane athletics track and a 2,000-seat spectator stand.