NAIROBI, Kenya — Football fans will pay at least Ksh2,500 to watch European giants Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam meet at the Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi on January 5, 2027.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced the starting ticket price on Thursday, November 5, as sales opened at 6pm through the official Talanta Sports City website.
In a statement, Mvurya said tickets would be released in phases across different seating categories, with supporters encouraged to purchase them through the authorised online platform.
“The tickets will be released in phases across multiple seating categories, with prices starting from as low as Kshs. 2,500, reflecting our commitment to making this exceptional sporting experience accessible to as many Kenyans as possible,” Mvurya stated.
The organisers have also made premium seating options available, including skyboxes and hospitality packages for supporters seeking an exclusive matchday experience.
According to the official Talanta Sports City website, tickets can only be purchased online through www.talantasportscity.com. There will be no physical ticket sales at the stadium.
The organisers have warned fans against using unauthorised websites, agents or individuals claiming to sell official tickets, amid concerns over possible fraud.
Match to inaugurate 60,000-seat stadium
The January 5 fixture will formally inaugurate the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium, located at Talanta Sports City along Ngong Road in Nairobi.
The stadium, named in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, is among Kenya’s major sporting infrastructure projects and forms part of the country’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:15pm East African Time, with stadium gates expected to open at 11am, according to the venue’s official event information.
President William Ruto previously announced the fixture as part of plans to honour Raila, whose death prompted national tributes and renewed attention to his contribution to Kenya’s political and public life.
The match will also provide an opportunity to test the stadium’s operations, including security, crowd management, ticketing and hospitality, ahead of major international competitions.
Mvurya assures fans over quality of teams
Mvurya also sought to address concerns about the calibre of players expected to feature in Nairobi, saying both clubs had committed in writing to field their strongest possible starting elevens.
“Both FC Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax Amsterdam have made firm commitments, in writing, to field their best possible starting elevens for this historic encounter,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary maintained that the event would not be a legends match or an academy exhibition, but a meeting involving the clubs’ senior football sides.
However, the final squads and individual player participation will be determined by the clubs. Talanta Sports City’s official information says appearances by specific players are not guaranteed.
The fixture will be a significant occasion for Bayern, who are scheduled to make their first-ever visit to Kenya. The German club confirmed the January 5 encounter in an announcement on October 28, describing it as part of the inauguration of the new stadium.
Bayern also confirmed that the match would be broadcast live on German television station ProSieben and its FC Bayern TV PLUS platform.
12-hour fan festival planned
Beyond the football match, organisers are preparing a wider entertainment programme expected to include a 12-hour fan festival, international musical performances, concierge services and activities celebrating Kenyan sport and culture.
The event is intended to attract supporters beyond the stadium and showcase Kenya’s ability to host major international sporting and entertainment events.
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Skyboxes and premium hospitality packages are also available for corporate clients and fans seeking a more exclusive experience. Talanta Sports City has directed interested customers to its dedicated hospitality contact for information on package options, availability and prices.
Private sector to finance event
The funding of the high-profile fixture has also attracted public attention, particularly over concerns about the cost of bringing two European football clubs to Kenya.
Mvurya said the event would be financed through private-sector collaboration.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi had earlier maintained that the government would not use public funds to finance the matches, saying organisers were mobilising private-sector partners and sponsors to meet the costs.
The government has defended the event as an investment in Kenya’s sporting industry, tourism and international profile, arguing that hosting established European clubs could help attract visitors and demonstrate the country’s capacity to stage major sporting events.
The January fixture will come less than six months before AFCON 2027, which Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are scheduled to co-host from June 19 to July 17.
The tournament will be the first Africa Cup of Nations edition hosted by three countries, making the stadium’s readiness and Kenya’s event-management capacity important parts of the region’s preparations.
