Ruto: Kenya will be ready to host AFCON 2027

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto has assured the country and the African continent at large that Kenya will be ready in time to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Kenya will co-host the soccer bonanza, alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.

Speaking on Monday when he met Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, at State House Nairobi, Ruto said renovation works at both Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums are well on course, ahead of the tournament.

He said construction of the brand new Talanta Sports City Stadium, is also progressing well.

“We commit that Kasarani and Nyayo will be ready by the end of this year for African Nations Championships 2025, while Talanta Sports City Stadium will be completed by December 2025 for AFCON 2027,” said the Head of State.

On his part, Mostsepe expressed satisfaction with the preparations. On Sunday, Dr. Patrice Motsepe visited the three venues proposed to host the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 in Nairobi, Kenya. He was joined by Kenya Minister of Sport, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President, Nick Mwendwa.

They visited Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium and Talanta Stadium. Dr. Motsepe said he was impressed with the speed at which Kenya was getting ready for the CHAN and AFCON tourneys.

“I am deeply grateful and proud of the exceptional leadership that President Ruto is providing in relation to football and the CHAN and I am confident with all of us working together, Kenya will be ready and we will make African football among the best in the world,” he said.

Murkomen said the construction and renovation works at the major stadia are on course.

“I reaffirmed the government's commitment to partnering with CAF and ensuring the successful hosting of these events. With Kenya’s iconic landscapes, world-famous wildlife, and sporting legacy, our co-hosting will attract global attention and record attendance,” said the Cabinet Secretary.