Is Kenya Prepared for AFCON 2027?

Since Kenya’s confirmation as co-host of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), major progress has been made in the construction of the new 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City Stadium and renovation of other stadiums, such as the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums. Other countries that will be hosting this major football event include Tanzania and Uganda.

As per Confederation of African Football (CAF), AFCON host must have 6 stadiums in readiness for the tournament. Both Uganda and Tanzania are moving with speed to meet the standard requirement of their stadiums.

The Talanta Sports City will be the country’s first modern stadium and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. This will give the country enough time to address any remaining infrastructure requirements ahead of AFCON, scheduled for December 2027.

Unlike other stadiums in the country, the Talanta Sports Complex will only be used for football matches. As such, there will not be a running track. The stadium’s design is also unique in that it is inspired by Kenya’s national emblem, the shield and two spears.

With only a few months to go, the sports ministry is positive that all the stadiums will be ready on time. Additionally, an official statement from CAF acknowledged Kenya’s progress in preparing to host the games. However, the football governing body admitted that the infrastructure levels were still not up to standards. Still, Kenya has the potential to meet all the required renovations by then.

In his statement, President Ruto said that the AFCON 2021 was just the beginning of Kenya’s endeavor to become a regional, continental, and global center for sports development and competition.