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Utalii, Ulinzi Sports Complex among pitches inspected for AFCON 2027
12th February, 2026 05:24 PM
Nairobi’s Utalii Grounds and Ulinzi Sports Complex are among the sports facilities inspected in Kenya as preparations to co-host the PAMOJA Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 take centre stage. This follows a comprehensive two-day technical pitch assessment conducted in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to a statement by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Infrastructure Team recently concluded inspections alongside CAF’s Pitch Management Expert, Aaron Mark Cross, aimed at evaluating and enhancing the quality of playing surfaces earmarked for the continental showpiece.
The inspection covered six key venues across the country: Talanta City Stadium, Nyayo National Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Utalii Grounds, and the Kenya Academy of Sports training facilities.
Central role
According to Mohammed, these facilities are expected to play a central role during the 2027 tournament, either as match venues or training grounds. Mohammed emphasised that the findings from the technical assessment will guide detailed pitch maintenance and upgrade plans to ensure the surfaces meet CAF’s stringent standards.
The exercise focused on turf quality, drainage systems, irrigation efficiency, grass species suitability, and overall pitch durability, key components in delivering world-class football infrastructure.
”The findings will inform pitch maintenance and enhancement plans. This exercise is crucial as it will also benefit local league matches and future international matches, ensuring facilities remain in top condition post-tournament,” Mohammed said.
Kenya, alongside its East African partners under the PAMOJA bid, is keen to deliver a memorable edition of AFCON in 2027. Infrastructure readiness remains a key pillar of the hosting roadmap, with stadium renovations, new constructions, and training facility upgrades forming part of the broader strategy.
Meeting standards
The LOC has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with CAF and other stakeholders, including government agencies and sports facility managers, to ensure that all venues meet international benchmarks well ahead of the tournament.
”The LOC is working closely with CAF and stakeholders to deliver high-quality playing surfaces for the 2027 Pamoja Afcon Tournament.” He added.
With technical assessments now underway and improvement plans set to follow, Kenya’s journey toward hosting PAMOJA AFCON 2027 continues to gather momentum.
