Sports PS Mwangi explains government’s elaborate roadmap for AFCON 2027

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has assured Kenyans of a memorable and world-class experience during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 finals, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s Sporty Monday show, Mwangi said Kenya is on course with its preparations and that all facilities earmarked for hosting matches and training will be ready by next year.

“We have three stadiums that we are submitting as match venues for AFCON 2027. These are the Raila Odinga International Stadium (Talanta), which is already 85 per cent complete, Kasarani Stadium, and Nyayo Stadium.

We also have several training facilities including Kasarani Annex 1 and 2, the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Grounds, Utalii Grounds, the Kenya Academy of Sports grounds, among others,” Mwangi said.

He added that the government is also upgrading additional facilities across the country as part of the AFCON legacy plan.

“We are face-lifting facilities such as Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu, Afraha Stadium in Nakuru, Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, and Bukhungu Stadium, among others, as part of our preparations for this extravaganza. I want to assure Kenyans that we are ready and we shall host the best AFCON,” he added.

Mwangi further noted that the Ministry of Sports is working closely with the Ministry of Transport to enhance infrastructure and ease movement of players and fans during the tournament.

“Kenya Railways is already upgrading the railway line connecting Nyayo, Talanta, Kibera, and Dagoretti. We have also earmarked the construction of a road linking the Southern Bypass to Talanta Stadium to ease fan movement. Construction works are also ongoing along Ngong Road,” he said.

The PS also revealed plans to establish fan zones across the country to allow supporters who may not access stadiums to enjoy the tournament, with funding already set aside.

“To ensure every Kenyan gets a feel of AFCON, we shall establish fan zones across the country. Resources have been allocated, and we are working with the Local Organising Committee to ensure everything is in place by November,” Mwangi noted.

On crowd management, which posed challenges during the last African Nations Championship (CHAN), Mwangi said lessons have been learned, including best practices observed during the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

He added that enhanced security measures will be implemented, including the establishment of security checkpoints up to five kilometres from the stadia to ensure safety and smooth operations.

Meanwhile, officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are expected in the country in February to assess Kenya’s preparedness, with stadium inspections high on the agenda.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania were officially awarded hosting rights for the 2027 AFCON during the closing ceremony of the 2025 finals in Morocco last month.