Kenya Steps Up AFCON 2027 Preparations as Stadium Works Near Completion

Kenya’s preparations to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are gaining momentum, with the government expressing confidence that the country will be ready for the continental tournament it will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania under the Pamoja AFCON arrangement.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, says construction and upgrade works at the facilities earmarked to host matches are progressing well, with recent inspections by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) providing further encouragement.

Among the key venues being prepared are the Raila Odinga International Stadium and the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, while the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City has emerged as the centrepiece of Kenya’s hosting plans.

CAF Impressed by Talanta Stadium Progress

A CAF delegation visited Kenya in the final week of August to assess stadiums and other tournament-related infrastructure, with officials expressing satisfaction with the progress achieved so far.

According to Mwangi, the delegation was particularly impressed by the work at Talanta Stadium, one of the country's flagship projects for AFCON 2027.

“We are progressing very well as Pamoja countries as we edge closer to hosting AFCON 2027,” Mwangi said.

“Last week of August we received a delegation from CAF who came to inspect our stadia and we are very grateful because when they came they saw good work and expressed satisfaction, especially on Talanta Stadium.”

The inspection provided an important update on Kenya’s readiness as the country approaches the tournament, which will be jointly hosted across the three East African nations.

Stadium Works at 95 Per Cent

Mwangi said the facilities have reached 95 per cent completion against the initial design specifications, significantly exceeding the 80 per cent target CAF had set for August during its previous inspection in February.

“When they came in February this year they had given us a target of 80 percent by August, and when they came back they were able to identify areas that they wished we need to work on, but those are new requirements,” he explained.

“The requirements as per design have essentially been done. As per the initial design, we are at 95 percent completion.”

The government views the latest assessment as a positive indication that Kenya remains on track to deliver the infrastructure required to host matches at the continental championship.

New CAF Requirements Being Addressed

While the main construction works have substantially progressed, the August inspection identified additional areas that require attention.

Among them are the expansion of the media tribune and improvements to the press conference room.

Mwangi described the recommendations as new requirements that were identified during the latest inspection rather than shortcomings in the original construction programme.

He said the additional works are already being addressed and do not constitute a setback to Kenya’s overall preparations.

The government is expected to continue working closely with CAF to ensure that the venues meet all tournament-specific operational and technical requirements before the competition begins.

Domestic Football Faces Fresh Challenges

The infrastructure update comes against the backdrop of challenges facing Kenya’s domestic football landscape.

The 2026/27 FKF Premier League season has yet to kick off amid an ongoing legal dispute concerning promotion and relegation regulations, raising concerns about the state of the country's football administration ahead of AFCON 2027.

The uncertainty has prompted calls for the football authorities to resolve their differences and ensure that domestic competition remains stable as Kenya prepares for its biggest football hosting assignment.

FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga recently warned that Kenya cannot afford to enter the AFCON hosting period with domestic football paralysed by institutional disputes.

The concerns highlight the importance of ensuring that progress on stadium infrastructure is matched by stability within the country's football administration and domestic competitions.

Kenya Targets a Successful AFCON 2027

With AFCON 2027 less than a year away, Kenya’s latest infrastructure update provides a positive picture of the country's preparations.

The government maintains that the major construction works are substantially complete and that remaining requirements identified by CAF are being addressed.

For Kenya, however, successfully hosting the tournament will involve more than completing stadiums. Efficient transport, accommodation, security, match operations, media facilities and a functioning domestic football ecosystem will all be critical to delivering a successful continental championship.

For now, the message from the government is clear: on infrastructure, Kenya remains on course to welcome Africa in 2027.