NAIROBI, Kenya — October 28, 2026
Kenya is set to welcome two of Europe’s biggest football clubs when German giants Bayern Munich face Dutch side Ajax in a historic match to open the new Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi on January 5, 2027.
President William Ruto announced the fixture on Wednesday, October 28, describing the match as a landmark moment for Kenyan football and the country’s ambitions to host major international sporting events.
The stadium, previously known as Talanta Stadium, is located at Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road and has a planned capacity of 60,000 spectators.
The match will bring two internationally recognised clubs to Kenya as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
Why Bayern Munich and Ajax Were Selected
Bayern Munich and Ajax are among the most successful clubs in European football.
Bayern, based in Germany, has a long history of winning domestic and continental titles, while Ajax is renowned for developing young football talent and competing at the highest level of European football.
President Ruto highlighted the clubs’ combined record in Europe’s premier club competition and said the fixture would provide a fitting opening for the new stadium.
The event is also expected to offer Kenyan football fans an opportunity to watch elite European teams play on home soil.
Further details about ticket sales, prices and stadium entry arrangements had not been announced in the reports available on Wednesday.
Inside the New 60,000-Seat Stadium
The Raila Odinga International Stadium is intended to become one of Kenya’s major venues for international football and rugby.
According to Citizen Digital, the facility includes a hybrid playing surface, 52 skyboxes, video assistant referee (VAR) technology and goal-line technology.
The stadium is expected to play a key role in Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Construction updates presented to Parliament had placed completion at approximately 94 per cent, although technical and operational preparations remained necessary before the venue could be considered fully ready.
The January fixture will therefore be an important opportunity to demonstrate the stadium’s ability to host a major international sporting event.
A Boost for Kenyan Football and Tourism
Hosting Bayern Munich and Ajax could attract international attention to Nairobi and provide opportunities for tourism, hospitality businesses and local service providers.
Hotels, restaurants, transport operators and other businesses may benefit from increased activity if the match attracts large numbers of local and international supporters.
The event also forms part of the wider effort to position Kenya as a destination for international sporting competitions ahead of AFCON 2027.
However, the scale of the economic benefits will depend on attendance, visitor spending and how the event is organised.
The government has said the stadium is intended to create opportunities for young athletes, attract investment and strengthen Kenya’s sporting infrastructure.
What the Match Means Ahead of AFCON 2027
Kenya is preparing to co-host AFCON 2027 with Tanzania and Uganda, making stadium readiness, transport, security and event management important priorities.
The Bayern Munich–Ajax fixture will provide a high-profile test of Nairobi’s capacity to welcome international teams and supporters.
It will not, by itself, determine whether Kenya is ready for AFCON, but it could offer organisers valuable experience in managing a major football event at the new venue.
For Kenyan fans, the prospect of seeing two celebrated European clubs play in Nairobi is an exciting development.
The next major details to watch are confirmation of ticketing arrangements, match organisation and the stadium’s operational readiness ahead of the January 5 date.
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