The government has firmly addressed concerns regarding the East African region’s readiness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Reports citing insufficient road networks and infrastructure in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania do not reflect the region’s capabilities.
During a benchmarking visit to Morocco on January 18, 2026, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi confirmed that Kenya and its co-hosting partners have met the required infrastructure standards and are fully prepared to host the continental football tournament.
In a video shared by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Mwangi emphasized Kenya’s readiness, citing the successful hosting of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) in 2025 as evidence of the region’s capabilities.
“We possess the necessary infrastructure and amenities to host the tournament, and our teams are prepared. Our success during CHAN demonstrates our capacity. We have the backing of CAF, and the president is fully supportive,” Mwangi stated.
“This presents a significant opportunity for us to showcase our strengths. We will exceed the standards set during CHAN and aim to surpass Morocco’s achievements,” he added.
Mwangi spoke following the confirmation that the three countries will host the next AFCON tournament, receiving the AFCON flag as an official acknowledgment of this responsibility.
He invited sports enthusiasts from Africa and around the world, highlighting the joint hosting of the tournament as a prime opportunity for East African nations to demonstrate their potential.
During the benchmarking tour, the Principal Secretary noted Morocco’s advanced stadium infrastructure as a model for improvement, reaffirming the government’s dedication to delivering a successful tournament. He also revealed that key projects, including the Talanta Stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies, are advancing as planned.
Debate over East Africa’s readiness has intensified, particularly after an Ivorian journalist raised concerns about the region’s infrastructure, leading to pushback from Kenyan and regional football fans.
In response, CAF President Patrice Motsepe firmly dismissed calls to limit major tournaments to established football nations, asserting CAF’s commitment to developing football across Africa. He emphasized that restricting hosting rights would hinder growth efforts on the continent.
Kenya is poised to make history by co-hosting the 2027 AFCON with Uganda and Tanzania, following a successful joint hosting of CHAN in 2025. The June–July 2027 tournament will be the first AFCON co-hosted by three countries and the first in East Africa in nearly five decades since Ethiopia hosted in 1976.
