AFCON 2027: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania explore joint Visa plan as preparations gather pace
By Joel Masibo, August 25, 2026Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering its responsibilities as one of the three host nations of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with the government saying preparations for the continental showpiece are gathering momentum.
The latest update, shared on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, follows a high-level meeting between the PAMOJA Oversight Council and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held in Nairobi on Monday, August 24, 2026, where the readiness of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania was reviewed ahead of the tournament.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya represented Kenya at the meeting, which was chaired by CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu.
The meeting brought together CAF officials, sports ministers from the three host countries, presidents of the respective football associations, chairpersons and chief executives of the Local Organising Committees, principal secretaries and other senior government officials.
Pamoja Visa framework
A major focus of the discussions was the PAMOJA Visa Framework and cross-border movement, an initiative intended to simplify travel for fans, participating teams, officials, accredited media, sponsors, suppliers and other stakeholders during the tournament.
Under the proposed framework, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are expected to put in place measures that will facilitate smoother movement across their borders while also providing appropriate immigration and customs arrangements for tournament-related equipment and goods.
For Kenya, the framework is seen as an important component of the country’s preparations as it seeks to make it easier for visitors from across Africa to enter and move around the country during AFCON 2027.
The three governments have assessed requirements within their respective jurisdictions and committed to implementing the necessary measures ahead of the tournament.
Infrastructure progress
Infrastructure readiness was also discussed during the meeting, with Mvurya welcoming the positive assessment of progress made so far as CAF continues with its inspections.
Kenya is currently undertaking the development and upgrading of stadiums, training grounds and other supporting infrastructure as it works to meet CAF’s requirements before the competition begins.
The government says it remains committed to addressing recommendations arising from CAF’s assessment and inspection process within the stipulated timelines.
The infrastructure programme remains one of the most closely watched aspects of Kenya’s preparations, given the importance of having venues that meet international standards for hosting Africa’s premier football tournament.
Mvurya also joined his counterparts in Uganda and Tanzania in reaffirming the three governments’ determination to deliver what they described as a successful, memorable and transformational PAMOJA AFCON 2027.
The host nations are expected to rely on closer coordination and joint decision-making while maintaining a shared tournament identity and collectively addressing emerging challenges.
Beyond football, the tournament is being positioned as an opportunity to promote East Africa as a competitive destination for tourism and investment.
The three countries hope AFCON 2027 will strengthen regional integration while leaving behind improved sporting, transport and economic infrastructure that can continue benefiting citizens long after the tournament concludes.
With CAF assessments continuing and preparations moving into a critical phase, Kenya will now be under increasing pressure to translate its assurances into completed projects and fully operational facilities before the continent’s biggest football tournament arrives in 2027.