Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has expressed confidence in the country’s capacity to host a successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in 2027.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Mvurya revealed that he has formally received the AFCON 2027 observations report from the assessment team led by former CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye. The report captures key recommendations and lessons drawn from the recently concluded AFCON 2025 tournament held in Rabat, Morocco.
According to the CS, the findings will play a critical role in shaping Kenya’s preparations for the tournament, which the country is set to co-host alongside regional partners.
Readying for AFCON 2027
“Kenya is confident in hosting a successful AFCON 2027, not only to showcase what the country has to offer, but also to ensure the full technical and competitive readiness of the national team, Harambee Stars,” Mvurya said.
Following the briefing, the Sports Ministry has directed the assessment team to immediately develop a comprehensive and actionable roadmap to guide the country’s preparations.
The plan will outline both human resource and financial requirements necessary to meet the standards set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Roadmap development
Mvurya noted that the roadmap will form the foundation of the Local Organising Committee’s operational strategy, ensuring structured planning, timely implementation, and coordination across all sectors involved in delivering the tournament.
He further emphasised that preparations will be driven by a “whole-of-government approach,” bringing together various ministries, agencies, and stakeholders to guarantee seamless execution of infrastructure projects, security planning, logistics, and team development programmes.
”Following this briefing, I have directed the team to immediately develop an extensive and actionable roadmap that factors in both human and financial requirements. This roadmap will anchor the Local Organising Committee’s preparedness and operational readiness, underpinned by a whole-of-government approach as we intensify preparations for AFCON 2027,” he said.
While on an inspection tour on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Salim Mvurya, said the government was impressed with the status of the construction works currently ongoing in the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium, as well as the rehabilitation works at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium.
An upbeat Mvurya said Kenya and the East Africa region, under the Pamoja Countries, were confident of hosting an event that meets world-class standards. He stated that the government had invested heavily in establishing world-class sports infrastructure to ensure Kenya delivers a memorable tournament in 2027.
Venue construction
“We are impressed by the steady progress, with the project now at 85% completion. The contractor is working around the clock to finalise external works and the training facilities by the end of February, paving the way for subsequent auxiliary works to be undertaken seamlessly,” Mvurya said.
“We also reviewed the progress of seven other key projects, all at advanced stages of construction, that are critical to the successful delivery of AFCON 2027. A whole-of-government approach has been firmly invested to ensure comprehensive preparedness, even as we advance towards preparatory engagements with CAF in the near future.” He added.
Kenya will stage the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda under the PAMOJA banner.
