The Ministry of Sports has rolled out its latest progress report on preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a landmark tournament that Kenya will co-host alongside East African neighbors Uganda and Tanzania.
While outlining infrastructure and hosting updates, sports officials turned up the heat on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). The ministry demanded that FKF leadership fast-track Harambee Stars’ preparations, insisting that the national squad build a competitive team long before kickoff on the continental stage.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 28, during a follow-up meeting with the AFCON Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Nairobi, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the performance of the team must reflect the standard of the stadium infrastructure.
“We shall be hosting AFCON here, and we have requested that FKF must ensure that our team is ready for competition,” Mwangi said.
He added that the country should not host major matches only for fans to feel let down when the team fails to advance.
“We don’t want a situation where we host big games here, but then our fans get disappointed because of our team not progressing to the next level.”
Mwangi further assured that frameworks for player welfare and motivation already exist to keep the squad focused.
“Matters to do with player remunerations and their motivation; everything is okay, and we have done it right.”
Updating the committee on stadium readiness, PS Mwangi said the Raila Odinga International Talanta Stadium has reached more than 96% completion.
“Our stadiums are progressing well. Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium is beyond the 96% mark. Since it is the main venue expected to host either the opening or closing ceremony, we are keen to finish within the timeframe we set,” Mwangi said.
He also added that contractors are already working at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to complete renovations.
“At Kasarani, we have a contractor on site, and we expect the field they are working on to be completed,” he said.
Beyond the main match venues, training facilities across the capital are also being prepared to ensure the teams, match officials, and support staff have adequate places to train ahead of the tournament.
Kirigiti Stadium has been handed over by contractors to serve primarily as a training pitch for match officials. Other facilities include Nyayo Stadium, Police Sacco, Ulinzi Complex, Kasarani Annex One and Two, and the Kenya Academy of Sports.
On administrative and financial readiness, the PS confirmed that funds for the AFCON Local Organizing Committee (LOC) have been included in the upcoming budget after approval by the executive and parliament.
“We are on course because we are expected to have a budget for the LOC, which has been prepared and passed. We thank His Excellency the President because in this financial year 2026/2027, we were allocated money so that we can start the preparations,” Mwangi said.
Mwangi also added that the committee is refining its operational protocols by drawing lessons from the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
“We reviewed the other responsibilities within this committee, learning from CHAN 2025 on the things that we need to work on well -matters to do with security, fan engagement, and the like,” he said.
To ensure AFCON 2027 excitement reaches every part of Kenya, the government plans to establish fan zones in major towns nationwide.
“The discussion is that every town, with the provision of adequate resources, we want to have fan zones there for all of us,” Mwangi explained.
He closed by urging the public to fully back the process as Kenya prepares to host a historic continental showcase.
“We ask Kenyans to continue supporting this process. We can assure them that we shall deliver AFCON 2027,” he said.
