Govt reiterates commitment to AFCON 2027 as key sports officials assemble for preps review
By Luke Oluoch, May 29, 2026The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Sports, has reinforced its commitment towards the successful hosting of the upcoming PAMOJA African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 tournament.
In a statement on Thursday, May 27, 2026, Salim Mvurya, the sports cabinet secretary, said they are working around the clock to ensure the continental showpiece will be a masterclass event.
Mvurya made the remarks during a meeting to review Kenya’s preparedness alongside Sports PS Elijah Mwangi, AFCON 2027 LOC CEO Antony Lung’aho, and Secretary to the Administration Evans Achoki.
He listed the streamlining of operations across the various frameworks of government agencies as key to the success of the tournament.
“We have adopted a whole-of-government approach to streamline operations and ensure seamless coordination in delivering a world-class continental football showcase,” his statement read in part.
Meeting CAF demands
The government also reiterated its commitment to its readiness to CAF timelines on inspection of key facilities such as the multi-million, 60,000-seater Raila Odinga Stadium, currently in its final stages of completion.
“We remain committed to adhering to CAF inspection timelines, particularly on infrastructure preparedness, with our main venue, the Raila Amollo Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City, set to be ready by the end of July,” he said.
As one of the host countries along with Uganda and Tanzania, the Kenyan official also revealed that Kenya’s Local Organising Committees (LOCs) will continue to synergise key operational frameworks that will strengthen the continental identity of the tournament, including visa facilitation, movement of fans and teams, and other strategic coordination measures to ensure a memorable and transformational AFCON experience for Africa and the world.
Mvurya’s sentiments come days after Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe commended the progress made in preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after a high-level review meeting on May 11, 2026, during his visit to Nairobi, Kenya.
CAF lauds Kenya’s progress
The Nairobi meeting brought together senior football officials and government representatives involved in delivering the tournament.
Key updates were presented on stadium readiness, infrastructure development, transport planning, and overall organisational structures required for AFCON 2027.
CAF leadership used the session to evaluate progress against set timelines as preparations enter a more advanced phase.