AFCON 2027: How Kenya is planning for the continental showpiece

Kenya plans to use Kasarani, Nyayo, Kipchoge Keino and Talanta stadia for AFCON 2027

AFCON 2027: How Kenya is planning for the continental showpiece

Stephen Awino 05:10 - 16.01.2025

With the postponement of CHAN 2024, Kenya has a golden opportunity to fine-tune its sporting infrastructure not just for the delayed tournament but for AFCON 2027 as well.

The Kenyan Ministry of Sports and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) are leveraging the upcoming CHAN 2024 tournament as a crucial step in preparing to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 alongside neighbors Uganda and Tanzania.

This regional collaboration dubbed Pamoja East Africa highlights a shared commitment to elevating the region's football profile on the global stage.

Originally scheduled for February, the CHAN 2024 tournament has been postponed, providing Kenya with a golden opportunity to fine-tune its sports infrastructure.

The country plans to host matches at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium and the Nyayo National Stadium, which have also been earmarked for AFCON 2027.

Additionally, the under-construction Talanta Stadium and Kipchoge Keino Stadium are expected to bolster the nation’s hosting capacity in 2027.

Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum after an inspection of the training facilities on Tuesday expressed optimism about Kenya’s readiness for CHAN and the broader AFCON 2027 picture.

“As the government and FKF, we have organized everything to ensure that all venues are ready. When we inspected Kasarani and Nyayo the training fields, I was informed by those who understand football that, even if a match were held today in any of these training fields or competition centers, it would be possible to play — whether during the day, evening, or at night," stated Tum via Tata Sport

"Therefore, as far as preparations for the CHAN tournament are concerned, we are in a very good position. We are simply waiting to be allocated our respective groups tomorrow and then looking forward to the tournament or championships later," he added.

The PS proceede to highlight Kenya's focus on not just CHAN but AFCON as well, with the ministry hoping to use the former to lay the groundwork for the football extravaganza in 2027.

"This serves as a precursor to AFCON, as we all know. When we succeed in what we are doing now, we are confident that AFCON will be very successful.”

Kasarani and Nyayo National stadia have undergone significant renovations, with Nyayo already receiving approval for hosting CHAN matches.

The postponement of CHAN provides additional time to complete refurbishments at Kasarani, ensuring it meets international standards.

This infrastructural investment not only prepares Kenya for CHAN 2024 but also lays a solid foundation for a successful AFCON 2027, aiming to solidifying the country's reputation as a hub for African football excellence.

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