Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture, and Heritage, Ababu Namwamba, chaired a post AFCON ’27 bid meeting today 2nd October 2023 that marked a pivotal step in Kenya’s journey towards hosting the AFCON 2027. Joined by distinguished figures including Permanent Secretary for Sports, Peter K. Tum, and Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Ismail Maalim, as well as Football Kenya President Nick Mwenda and various other stakeholders, the CS’s determination to make AFCON ’27 a historical event was palpable.

Kenya’s successful bid to co-host the tournament with Uganda and Tanzania was a significant achievement. However, CS Namwamba understands that winning the bid was merely the beginning of a challenging yet exciting endeavor. The real test lies in the preparations – ensuring that the infrastructure is ready and cultivating a competitive team for this showpiece event.

Namwamba has called upon all stakeholders to unite and contribute their collective expertise and resources to ensure that the preparations for AFCON ’27 proceed smoothly and according to plan. The government’s commitment to having the stadiums ready by 2025 in time for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspections is unwavering.

Kenya’s bid presentation to the CAF Executive Committee in Cairo outlined a formidable plan. The nation is set to build a state-of-the-art, 60,000-capacity football-only stadium named Talanta Stadium, alongside major rehabilitation efforts for Kasarani, Nyayo, and Kipchoge stadiums.

The benefits of hosting AFCON ’27 extend far beyond the realm of sports. Economically, the tournament promises to be a game-changer. It will breathe new life into Kenya’s tourism industry, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Additionally, the upgraded sporting facilities will not only serve the immediate purpose but also position Kenya as a hub for international sporting events, further enhancing its global reputation.