Kenya deepens CECAFA ties as AFCON 2027 preparations gather pace
By Joel Masibo, February 18, 2026Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to regional football collaboration following high-level talks between Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam, the President of the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA).
In a statement after hosting the CECAFA boss on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Mwangi reaffirmed Kenya’s renewed push to strengthen partnerships with regional sporting bodies as part of a broader strategy to accelerate football growth and development.
“Kenya continues to make significant strides in strengthening collaborations with regional sporting bodies as part of strategic support towards the growth and development of our football,” said Mwangi.
The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Kenya and CECAFA, particularly as the country intensifies preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Uganda and Tanzania under the Pamoja bid in June and July 2027.
AFCON 2027 readiness in focus
At the same time, Mwangi briefed the CECAFA president on Kenya’s state of preparedness ahead of the continental showpiece. “I briefed the CECAFA boss on Kenya’s preparedness towards hosting the AFCON 2027, especially on the status of our sporting facilities and other related amenities that are critical in the delivery of a successful football tournament,” he stated.
Ahead of the tournament, the government has already embarked on upgrading key stadiums and training venues, while improving auxiliary infrastructure necessary to meet continental standards.
The PS further reiterated the government’s backing of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in efforts to nurture talent and build competitive national teams. “I further assured the president of the government’s continued commitment to support the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to accelerate football talent development as well as development of competitive teams as part of positioning Kenya as a football powerhouse,” Mwangi added.
CECAFA backs Pamoja nations
The PS welcomed CECAFA’s pledge to stand with the co-hosting nations in ensuring the tournament’s success. “As a government, we warmly welcome the commitment by CECAFA to support Kenya and the other Pamoja Nations to stage a memorable and spectacular AFCON tournament in 2027,” he said.
Mwangi revealed that President Weldehaimanot emphasised that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are central pillars of CECAFA and that the successful delivery of AFCON 2027 is of utmost importance to the regional football body.
“President Weldehaimanot noted that the Pamoja countries, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, that are co-hosting AFCON, are critical members of CECAFA and the successful hosting of AFCON was of paramount importance to the regional football association.”
The meeting was attended by FKF top officials led by President Hussein Mohammed. Following the discussions, FKF officials conducted extensive site inspections with the CECAFA president, touring stadiums and training facilities earmarked for AFCON 2027 to assess progress and readiness.