President Ruto Reveals Grammy Awards Plan for Talanta Stadium

President Ruto at past event. Photo: Courtesy.

President William Ruto announced that the Grammy Awards team has shown interest in establishing their presence at Kenya’s Talanta Sports City Stadium, indicating Kenya's growing status as a global cultural center.

During the 97th Kenya Music Festival State Concert held at Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri, the President noted that the Grammy team's plans highlight the country's increasing recognition in sports and the arts. He encouraged Kenyans to seize the opportunities arising from investments in the creative economy.

“As usual, there are those who doubt – the cynics who question everything we do – but, as we have always done, we will answer them with tangible outcomes that benefit the people. The Grammy team has already expressed interest in anchoring their presence within our new Talanta Stadium,” Ruto told the audience.

The Head of State mentioned that during his visit to the United States next month, he will meet with the Recording Academy, the organizers of the Grammy Awards.

He stated that these discussions will expedite plans to set up world-class recording studios in Kenya and lay the groundwork for a future African edition of the Grammys in Nairobi.

Ongoing construction at Talanta Stadium. Photo: Courtesy.

“I will meet with the Recording Academy, organizers of the Grammy Awards, to fast-track plans for establishing world-class studios in Kenya and to initiate the journey toward eventually hosting an African edition of the Grammys in Nairobi,” Ruto said.

Past Criticism and Itumbi’s Defence

The Grammy announcement reignites a debate that initially emerged in late 2024, when Ruto revealed that the government had submitted a KSh 500 million bid to support the initiative of establishing the Recording Academy’s African headquarters in Nairobi.

Critics contended that the money could have been directed towards pressing domestic issues.

Comedian MC Jessy rejected the notion, questioning the prudence of investing heavily before bolstering Kenya's creative infrastructure.

“Please stop lying to the President … why not inject that money into the sector and fix our things?” he asked.

Economist David Ndii pointed out that Kenya was in competition with Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, clarifying that the amount was part of an official bid rather than a direct payment to the Grammys.

Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and the Creative Economy, clarified in defense that no donation was made.

“There was, absolutely, no donation made by the Kenyan government to the Grammy Awards. Kenya lobbied to have the Recording Academy headquarters in Africa, and Kenya bid. The KSh 500 million is a bid deposit—if we lose, the money is refunded,” he explained.

The Talanta Sports City Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, is being built at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi and stands as one of Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure endeavors. Scheduled for completion by December 2025, it is designated as a key venue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In addition to football, the government sees Talanta as a versatile center for sports, music, and cultural events. The stadium is being constructed with modern training facilities, parking areas, and entertainment spaces, transforming it into a venue capable of hosting international events.

If Kenya manages to host the Grammys, it would be the first occasion that the esteemed awards brand holds an edition in Africa.

Enhancing Kenya's cultural influence by establishing Nairobi as a creative hub comparable to Lagos, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.

President Ruto has portrayed the Grammy opportunity as beyond mere symbolism, characterizing it as a strategic investment in the youth and creative economy of Kenya.