Kenya Steps Up AFCON 2027 Preparations as CAF Reviews Readiness

Kenya has stepped up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which it will co-host together with Tanzania and Uganda. 

In a statement on Tuesday, August 25, the Ministry of Sports said the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held a high-level review of the readiness of the three East African host nations.

The meeting, which was chaired by CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu, brought together officials from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. 

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya joined his counterparts from Uganda and Tanzania in the high-level meeting of the PAMOJA Oversight Council with CAF leadership.

“During a high-level meeting of the PAMOJA Oversight Council with the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Hon. Salim Mvurya, joined his counterparts from Uganda and Tanzania in reviewing the collective preparedness of the three Host Nations and aligning the next phase of delivery towards PAMOJA AFCON 2027,” read the statement in part. 

During the meeting, CS Mvurya and his counterparts from Uganda and Tanzania assured CAF of their commitment to operationalizing the proposed PAMOJA Visa Framework.

According to the Ministry of Sports, each of the host nations has assessed the requirements within its jurisdiction and committed to implementing the necessary measures.

“Among the key agenda items was the PAMOJA Visa Framework and cross-border mobility, where CS Mvurya joined his counterparts in assuring CAF of the three Governments' commitment to advancing and operationalizing the proposed framework,” the ministry stated. 

The framework is intended to facilitate seamless movement of fans, participating teams, officials, accredited media, sponsors, suppliers and other tournament stakeholders across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. 

It is also expected to provide immigration and customs facilitation and movement of tournament-related goods and equipment.

“For Kenya, the framework complements the country's continued commitment to facilitating easier entry and movement for African visitors and strengthening regional mobility as we prepare to welcome the continent in 2027,” the statement read. 

At the same time, CS Mvurya welcomed CAF’s positive assessment of the infrastructure progress registered by Kenya so far and the recommendations arising from the ongoing CAF assessment and inspection process.

The Sports CS said the Kenyan government is committed to addressing the recommendations within the designated timelines and ensuring that facilities meet CAF requirements. 

“Kenya continues to record significant progress in the development and upgrading of its stadiums, training grounds and supporting infrastructure. 

“The Government remains committed to acting on the recommendations within the designated timelines and ensuring that all facilities meet CAF requirements ahead of the tournament,” the Ministry added. 

On March 31, CS Mvurya appointed the Pamoja AFCON 2027 Local Organizing Committee (LOC). 

CS Mvurya explained that the committee will be tasked with the preparations for AFCON 2027, which Kenya will jointly host with neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.

"On account of complexities, logistics and magnitude of preparations required for successfully co-hosting the 36th Edition of the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations 2027, set to take place in early 2027, " he stated. 

Mvurya announced that the LOC will have a National Steering Committee and a Secretariat, and will be funded by the national government, donations and endowments.

Kenya also paid the Ksh3.9 billion hosting fee required for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on March 31. 

"In fulfilment of our commitments, the Government has remitted the requisite USD 30 million hosting fee to CAF, reaffirming Kenya's credibility, readiness, and unwavering commitment to delivering a successful continental tournament," CS Mvurya said in a statement.