Government Takes First Step After Concerns Over AFCON 2027 Hosting
The Kenyan government has taken swift action following growing public debate and criticism over the country’s preparedness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Authorities say the move is aimed at addressing concerns early and ensuring all facilities meet the required international standards well before the tournament begins.
On Tuesday, January 27, the government announced plans to invite a high-level inspection team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to assess the progress of key stadium projects.
The inspection is scheduled to take place in February 2026 and will focus on evaluating the quality, readiness, and overall compliance of Kenya’s sports infrastructure.
Speaking during an inspection tour at the Raila Odinga International Stadium, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, said the early invitation to CAF is a deliberate strategy to avoid last-minute challenges.
“We have agreed to bring in CAF inspectors early so they can review the progress with us and give their recommendations while the contractor is still on site. This will allow us to make any necessary adjustments during construction rather than later,” Mvurya said.
The CS revealed that the Raila Odinga International Stadium, which will have a seating capacity of 60,000, is already 85 per cent complete as of January 27, 2026. He expressed confidence that the remaining works would be completed on schedule.
In addition to the new stadium, the government is carrying out major renovation works at two of the country’s most iconic sporting venues — Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium. These upgrades are part of a broader plan to ensure Kenya meets CAF’s hosting requirements.
Earlier, on December 12, 2025, President William Ruto announced that construction of a full canopy at Nyayo National Stadium would begin in January 2026.
The project is part of a comprehensive modernisation programme aimed at upgrading the 18,000-seater stadium to international standards ahead of AFCON 2027.
Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, who accompanied Mvurya during the inspection visit, expressed strong confidence in Kenya’s ability to deliver high-quality facilities within the set timelines.
She noted that contractors are working day and night to complete external works as well as training facilities.
According to Tuya, the goal is to finalise key external components and training grounds by the end of February, ensuring that the facilities are ready for test events and CAF evaluations.
CS Mvurya also disclosed that seven other major projects linked to AFCON 2027 preparations are at advanced stages of construction across different parts of the country. These projects are considered critical to the successful hosting of the continental tournament.
“We reviewed the progress of seven other key projects that are essential for AFCON 2027. All of them are moving well. A whole-of-government approach has been adopted to ensure full preparedness as we move closer to official engagements with CAF,” Mvurya stated.
The government’s response comes amid criticism from Ivorian sports journalist Mamadou Gaye, who recently questioned whether Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have the necessary infrastructure to successfully host AFCON 2027.
Gaye raised concerns about the region’s road networks, claiming that travel between some host cities could take as long as two days by road. His remarks were made during a press conference attended by CAF President Patrice Motsepe and quickly sparked intense debate across East Africa.
The journalist further argued that poor infrastructure could lower the standards of the tournament, especially when compared to recent hosts such as Morocco, which set a high benchmark in terms of organisation and facilities.
Kenyan officials, however, have strongly dismissed these claims, insisting that significant progress has already been made and that ongoing projects will address all outstanding concerns before the tournament kicks off.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has also reassured football fans across the region, stating that CAF has full confidence in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. He made it clear that there are no plans to withdraw hosting rights from the three countries despite the criticism.
The East African nations are relying heavily on air transport to move teams, officials, and fans between host cities. Under their joint “Pamoja” bid, the capitals Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam will be connected primarily through air travel to ensure smooth and efficient movement during the tournament.
With early inspections planned, major construction projects underway, and regional cooperation firmly in place, Kenyan authorities say the country remains firmly on track to deliver a successful AFCON 2027 alongside its neighbours.
Join Tutam Official WhatsApp Channel to stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
