Gov't Unveils AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has unveiled the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC) Standing Committee to coordinate and oversee Kenya’s preparations for the continental football tournament.

In a statement on Thursday, October 29, the CS said the committee is expected to guide the country’s efforts to deliver the competition.

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"I have officially unveiled the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 LOC Standing Commitee, entrusting its members with the national responsibility of coordinating and overseeing Kenya’s preparations towards delivering a world-class, memorable and successful continental football tournament," he wrote.

Mvurya said the committee members were selected based on their experience, professional expertise and leadership abilities.

"Carefully selected for their wealth of experience, professional expertise and proven leadership, the committee brings together distinguished individuals whose collective capabilities will be instrumental in delivering a championship befitting Kenya’s ambitions as a leading sporting destination," he added.

Mvurya also said the committee had been entrusted with a national responsibility, noting that the tournament should provide benefits beyond football by creating opportunities in sports development, tourism, investment and the wider economy.

"I reaffirmed their mandate and reminded them that they carry the hopes and aspirations of over 55 million Kenyans to deliver a tournament that brings pride and joy to the country while securing a lasting legacy in sports development, tourism, investment and economic opportunities," he further said.

With less than eight months remaining before the tournament kicks off, Mvurya challenged the committee to move beyond planning and focus on implementing the preparations required to host the competition.

"With less than eight months to kick-off, I challenged the committee to move decisively from planning to execution, prioritising operational readiness, effective coordination, strategic partnerships, financial accountability and strict adherence to delivery timelines," he concluded.

This comes a day after President William Ruto announced that the Raila Odinga International Stadium will officially open on January 5, 2027, with a historic football match between German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax.

In an announcement on Wednesday, October 28, Ruto said the fixture will bring two of Europe's most successful clubs to Kenya for the inauguration of the 60,000-seater stadium, which has been named in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

"On 5 January 2027, we will open this stadium with a historic match between two giants of European football: FC Bayern Munich of Germany and AFC Ajax of Amsterdam," he said.

Ruto highlighted the European pedigree of both clubs, noting that they had won the UEFA Champions League a combined ten times. 

He also drew a connection between Germany and Raila, whose educational journey included studies in the country.

"Between them, they have been crowned champions of Europe ten times. There is a quiet poetry in this fixture; Raila had studied in Germany. Now, a great German club will come to play in the house that bears his name," he added.

Ajax's reputation for developing young footballers also featured prominently in Ruto's remarks, with the President linking the Dutch club's youth development philosophy to the meaning of Talanta.

"And Ajax brings poetry of its own. For generations, Ajax has built its greatness on young talent, nurtured in an academy whose very name speaks of tomorrow," he further said.

At the same time, Ruto said the decision to name the stadium after Raila was a fitting tribute to a leader whose passion for football was widely recognised.

"In October, we honoured our heroes on Mashujaa Day. Just days earlier, we marked one year since we lost one of Kenya’s greatest sons, the Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga," he noted.

Ruto noted that Raila, who was popularly known by names including Baba, Agwambo, Tinga, Rao and Jakom, shared a deep connection with football and its supporters.

"Baba, Agwambo, Tinga, Rao, Jakom - whatever name you fondly called him, one thing was certain: he loved football. He stood in the stands. He cheered. He celebrated alongside the people. It is only fitting, therefore, that this stadium bears his name," he stated.