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Bayern and Ajax will open Nairobi's new stadium

Kenya's US$350 million Raila Odinga International Stadium opens with FC Bayern against Ajax on 5 January 2027. No sponsor or African broadcaster has been named yet.

On 28 October 2026, Business of Sports Africa and The Star reported that FC Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam will play the first match at the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi on 5 January 2027.

The stadium

The 60,000-seat stadium, part of Talanta Sports City, cost about US$350 million (around KSh 45 billion) and was built by China Road and Bridge Corporation. It is one of the venues for AFCON 2027, which Kenya co-hosts with Tanzania and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027.

European clubs come to Africa

For Bayern and Ajax, a match in Nairobi is a way to grow their fan base in East Africa. In Germany, the game will be shown by ProSieben and FC Bayern TV PLUS.

An open slot

So far, no match sponsor and no African broadcaster have been named. The first match in a new national stadium, six months before AFCON, is a rare moment of attention.

What it means

For Kenyan and international brands, the opening is an early chance to be linked with the stadium before AFCON. For the stadium itself, the bigger question is what comes after the tournament: naming rights and a full calendar of events will decide whether it pays for itself.

Also: The Star (Kenya), 28 October 2026.

Source: Business of Sports Africa, 28 October 2026. Figures as reported by the source.