Football enthusiasts who doubted whether prominent players like Harry Kane and Michael Olise would perform in Kenya can now anticipate their arrival, as stated by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi. We are bringing the primary squad, rather than a second-string lineup or retired players, he noted while addressing concerns that Kenya might receive a lesser delegation due to clubs resting their key athletes. Bayern Munich and Ajax are scheduled to compete at the Raila Odinga International Stadium on January 5, 2027, marking the main attraction of the venue’s grand opening.
In a video statement, President William Ruto announced the landmark fixture featuring the two European powerhouses playing in Kenya. Ruto also emphasized that the facility delivers on a commitment to construct a world-class football arena equipped to draw international clubs. Mwangi emphasized that public financial resources are not being utilized to finance the visit of the two teams, noting that corporate sponsors have secured the necessary funding.
The Principal Secretary justified the selection of the European clubs as the focal point of the celebration, explaining that the administration intends to leverage the occasion for national tourism and promotion. He pointed to the teams’ collective fan base of roughly 300 million individuals as a vital demographic that Kenya aims to engage through the inaugural event. Mwangi concluded by confirming that local clubs Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards will additionally participate in the stadium inauguration festivities.