CAF officials assess Kenya’s readiness for 2027 AFCON

A delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently in Kenya to assess sporting facilities for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, is set to co-host the tournament next year.

The visit underscores growing collaboration between Kenya and CAF as the country aims to establish itself as a dependable host for continental tournaments.

Facilities Under Inspection

The CAF inspection team is focusing on the Raila Odinga International Stadium (Talanta Sports Complex), Nyayo Stadium, and Kasarani Stadium. Additional stadiums the government seeks CAF input on include Kirigiti, Mombasa, and Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

Government Collaboration with CAF

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi stated that the government invited CAF to provide technical guidance, aiming to prevent costly redesigns during facility development. The government hopes early engagement with CAF will expedite approvals for future events and ensure venues meet international standards.

Inspection Criteria

Inspections typically evaluate playing surfaces, safety compliance, seating capacity, athlete facilities, broadcast readiness, and overall infrastructure standards.

Expected Outcomes

The inspection is expected to result in a technical report detailing areas for improvement, priority upgrades, and recommendations for future stadium construction projects. Sports authorities are hopeful this exercise will accelerate Kenya’s ability to host major continental football competitions and create modern facilities for athletes and fans.