AFCON 2027: FKF Chief Outlines Kenya’s Long-Term Benefits Beyond the Game

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed has called on Kenya and the wider East African region to focus on the broader advantages of hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, rather than only the action on the field.

Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, is set to co-host AFCON 2027, sparking excitement among supporters eager to witness top-tier African football talent up close. However, preparations for such a major tournament come at a significant cost, with billions expected to be spent on infrastructure, hosting fees, and logistics to ensure a smooth event.

This level of expenditure has drawn criticism, especially at a time when resources are needed in other key sectors. Despite this, Mohammed insists that the long-term returns from hosting AFCON will outweigh the initial costs.

He pointed to previous continental tournaments as evidence of the economic and social benefits that come with hosting large-scale sporting events.

“Recent tournaments in Africa have clearly demonstrated the impact of hosting,” Mohammed said during the Kenyan Ambassadors conference. “Morocco’s AFCON attracted over 600,000 travelling fans, generated more than €1.5 billion in direct economic value, and recorded over 6 billion digital impressions worldwide.”

Why Hosting Major Tournaments Pays Off

Mohammed further highlighted that Morocco’s successful hosting has strengthened its global standing, with the country now set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Portugal and Spain.

According to the FKF president, such events create a ripple effect across multiple sectors, including tourism, transport, infrastructure, media, and small businesses.

These are the kinds of gains East Africa hopes to achieve when it hosts AFCON 2027. Mohammed has urged both governments and private stakeholders to collaborate closely to maximize the opportunity.

As part of the preparations, Kenya is set to host the upcoming FIFA Women’s Series in Nairobi in April, which FKF sees as a key test event.

“The FIFA Women’s Series presents a major opportunity for Kenya,” Mohammed noted. “It is not just about competition—it provides a platform to showcase the country globally, promote women’s football, and strengthen our credibility as a host for international tournaments.”

He added that such events offer a chance to demonstrate what can be achieved when the full potential of football is utilized.

Kenya Aims to Maximize AFCON 2027 Impact

Mohammed also emphasized that East Africa has already gained valuable experience from hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), lessons that must now be applied ahead of AFCON 2027.

He acknowledged that major tournaments often bring short-term surges in activity, but stressed that their true value lies in long-term transformation.

“Beyond the temporary boost, these tournaments reposition countries as attractive destinations,” he explained. “They influence global perception, attract investment, and accelerate infrastructure development.”

Mohammed believes that football should no longer be treated as a secondary sector, but rather integrated into national development strategies.

“Sports, particularly football, must be aligned with broader national goals—whether in youth employment, tourism, urban planning, or international relations,” he said.

At the federation level, FKF is already making structural changes to support this vision. Mohammed revealed that the organization is shifting from a purely administrative approach to a more strategic, partnership-driven model.

This includes building collaborations with international federations, governments, private sector players, and development agencies.

“Our focus is on meaningful partnerships—not just for funding, but for knowledge exchange, infrastructure growth, and capacity building,” he concluded.