Kenya has pledged security and travel support for international fans expected in Nairobi for the January 5, 2027, match between Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam, which will officially open Talanta Stadium.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen gave the assurance after meeting delegations from the two European clubs, as preparations gather pace for one of the country's most anticipated football events.
Murkomen said the government would coordinate security, immigration services and travel arrangements to help supporters travelling from different parts of the world attend the match.
“I thanked them for choosing to stage this historic match on African soil and assured them of our government's full support in providing adequate security, immigration and travel facilitation for their fans from all over the world who will attend the historic Talanta opening match,” he said.
The Bayern Munich delegation was led by Andreas Kufner, the club's Head of International Activations and Tours, while Ajax was represented by Sascha Smulders, its Head of Global Travel.
Murkomen described the fixture as a significant moment for Kenya and the wider region.
Ruto Announces January 5 Opening Match
President William Ruto announced the fixture in a televised address on Wednesday, confirming that German club Bayern Munich would face Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam at the new stadium along Ngong Road.
The match will mark the opening of the 60,000-seat venue, officially known as Raila Odinga International Stadium.
Ruto said the project was intended to give Kenya a venue capable of hosting leading international football teams.
“Two years ago, I promised the people of Kenya a world-class stadium where the greatest teams in the world would come and play. Today, we are keeping that promise,” the President said.
Construction began in March 2024, according to the President, as Kenya prepared to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania.
The stadium includes a hybrid playing surface, 52 sky boxes, video assistant referee (VAR) technology and goal-line technology. It is designed to host both football and rugby.
Stadium Prepares for AFCON 2027
The new facility forms part of Kenya's preparations for AFCON 2027, which the three East African countries are scheduled to host from June 19 to July 17.
Ruto has described the stadium as Kenya's first purpose-built football and rugby venue and highlighted its place in the country's sporting infrastructure.
The stadium also carries the name of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died in October 2025 and was widely known for his interest in football.
The January friendly will offer an early international test for the venue before the continental tournament, although the scale of the event will also place attention on security, immigration arrangements and the movement of visiting supporters.
The government has pledged to support those preparations. Further details on travel arrangements and security measures have not been provided in the announcement.
