Table of Contents
- Kenya hosting AFCON 2027 has been okayed by the National Assembly’s Sports Departmental Committee
- The Confederation of African Football granted Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda rights to host the tournament
- Kenya had financial constraints that delayed renovation works at Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium
National Assembly’s Sports Departmental Committee has cleared Kenya hosting AFCON 2027 and CHAN 2025.
This follows approval by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of Africa’s largest football tournament.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said that his ministry is on top of everything needed to make CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027 hosting a success.
Kenya hosting AFCON 2027
Kenya had expressed support for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, together with Tanzania and Uganda.
These three countries successfully bid for the hosting rights from CAF. However, Kenya’s Parliamentary Committee on Sports had issues with the ministry’s readiness.
While appearing before the committee on Tuesday at Bunge Towers, Mvurya said that the Sports Ministry has resolved earlier budgetary constraints.
He clarified that delays experienced in renovating and setting up the needed infrastructure for CHAN 2025 and AFCON stemmed from a lack of enough financial allocation.
AFCON Trophy. Photo/ Kawa News.
However, the government is working round the clock in renovating Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium ahead of both tournaments.
They must meet CAF standards as hosting venues, which is paramount to Kenya hosting AFCON 2027.
CS Mvurya confirmed to stakeholders that the government will not meddle with the independence of the sports federation in preparation to host the tournament.
Mvurya added that the government intends to establish sports development programs across the country. There are plans to construct 37 sports academies spread in every corner of the country.
He revealed that 27 contracts have been finalized for the execution of the project.
What Host Countries Need to Host AFCON
Every country seeking to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) must fulfill multiple mandatory requirements. At least six stadiums must be available.
The competition requires six stadiums, which need two facilities with a 40,000 capacity for opening and final matches.
In addition, two stadiums with a 20,000-seater capacity for knockout rounds and two more stadiums with at least 15,000-seater capacity for group-stage matches.
All stadiums need to be equipped with effective drainage systems, dressing rooms, proper lighting systems and a media gallery.
Further, CAF standards require stadiums to have a section for public address systems and medical facilities, as well as giant screens.
Excited fans filled Nyayo National Stadium to cheer Harambee Stars against Gabon. FKF is
keen on improving matchday experience for all football fans Photo/Hussein Mohammed
A host country must provide sufficient training facilities for every team participating in the tournament. All hosting countries need to provide enough accommodation facilities to support football players, officials and their fans.
Lastly, there needs to be a flawless transportation network for participating teams and spectators to move around with ease to match locations.
Kenya hosting AFCON 2027 and CHAN 2025 puts the Sports ministry to the test in delivering according to CAF standards.
The same applies to Tanzania and Uganda, who are co-hosting AFCON with Kenya.
Why Did CAF Award Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania AFCON 2027 Hosting Rights?
CAF granted the 2027 AFCON hosting rights to Kenya and Uganda, and Tanzania because their unified bid successfully fulfilled all of CAF’s requirements.
Dubbed ‘The East Africa Pamoja Bid’, the three countries demonstrated how they would be prepared to host such a massive tournament.
As part of forming the competitive joint bid, Kenya made a commitment to modernize Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani Stadium.
Uganda set out on renovating Mandela National Stadium and constructing another new stadium. Tanzania fronted the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, which is already certified by CAF.
