Kenya eyes AFCON 2027 opening and closing ceremonies as preparations hit 80 per cent

Kenya is positioning itself to host both the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as preparations to co-host the continental tournament with Uganda and Tanzania gather pace.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports Elija Mwangi and the Local Organising Committee on Thursday assured the National Assembly’s Select Committee on Regional Integration that Kenya was on course to deliver its part of the tournament.

The officials appeared before the committee chaired by MP Irene Mayaka at Parliament Buildings, where they outlined Kenya’s preparations for the tournament scheduled for June and July 2027.

Local Organising Committee chairperson and former CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye said Kenya had a strong chance of securing the opening and closing ceremonies because of the new Talanta, Raila Odinga Stadium, which he said was 95 per cent complete.

“Hon. Members, we stand a good chance to host both the opening and closing ceremonies,” Musonye told the committee, citing the progress of the new stadium.

He said Kenya also had an advantage because of its security arrangements and hospitality facilities, expressing confidence that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) would give the country a favourable assessment during its inspection.

Musonye said overall preparations were currently at 80 per cent, which he described as the benchmark for readiness.

The tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania under the PAMOJA AFCON initiative.

The three host countries recently held a high-level kick-off meeting in Kampala, Uganda, where they reviewed the tournament roadmap and reaffirmed that AFCON 2027 will be held from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

The three countries are working jointly on infrastructure preparedness, hospitality, safety and security, media and broadcast facilities, as well as a common visa arrangement aimed at easing movement of fans and other visitors across the three countries.

The preparations are expected to have a wider economic impact, with the Parliamentary committee noting that successfully hosting the month-long tournament could generate significant benefits for Kenya and the wider East African region.

Mayaka said Parliament was keen to support preparations for the continental football tournament and had been monitoring the progress made by the organising teams.

“Parliament has a strong interest in sports and has always been ready to support you,” Mayaka said.

She said the committee would undertake inspections of stadiums in Kenya and could also visit facilities in Uganda and Tanzania to assess the level of preparedness across the three host countries.

The planned inspections are aimed at ensuring that the infrastructure and other requirements for the tournament remain on track ahead of CAF’s assessments.

With Talanta, Raila Odinga Stadium nearing completion and preparations reported to be at 80 per cent, Kenya is seeking to secure a prominent role in the 2027 tournament while positioning the event as an opportunity to showcase the country’s sporting infrastructure, hospitality sector and economic potential.

You might also like

Sports

Govt hands over Ksh20M pledge to Harambee Starlets and Junior Starlets

AFCON

Govt provides update on Kasarani Stadium renovations ahead of AFCON 2027