Gov’t Sets Out Plan to Test AFCON 2027 Infrastructure and Operations

The government has announced plans to begin comprehensive dry-runs and testing of critical infrastructure and operational systems ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In a statement on Monday, November 2, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the exercise would assess the readiness of key facilities and systems required to host the competition, following an inspection of ongoing renovation works at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Raila Odinga International Stadium.

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Mwangi said the inspection was conducted alongside Confederation of African Football (CAF) General Secretary Samson Adamu as part of efforts to assess progress at the two venues.

"Today, I was honoured to accompany the CAF General Secretary, Samson Adamu, during an inspection tour of the ongoing final renovation works at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City, as part of our continued preparations to host AFCON 2027," he wrote.

Following the inspection, Mwangi said he attended a high-level meeting with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, where they agreed to commence comprehensive testing of systems that will support the tournament.

He described the decision as a major shift in the preparations, with the government moving from developing and upgrading infrastructure to ensuring that facilities and operational arrangements were ready to support the competition.

"Following the inspection, we held a productive high-level meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya during which we agreed on the commencement of comprehensive dry-runs and testing of all critical systems earmarked for the tournament. This marks an important transition from infrastructure development to operational readiness," he added.

The planned exercise will cover several areas considered essential to the successful hosting of AFCON 2027, including ticketing, security, transport, evacuation, procurement, immigration and broadcasting.

Mwangi said the tests would help establish whether the systems could function efficiently and reliably under tournament conditions while allowing authorities to identify and address potential shortcomings before the competition begins.

"The exercise will involve comprehensive testing of critical tournament systems, including ticketing, security, transport, evacuation, procurement, immigration and broadcasting, to verify their integrity, efficiency and operational readiness. 

"This will enable early identification and resolution of any gaps, ensuring seamless coordination and reliable delivery throughout the tournament," he further said.

The proposed Bayern Munich versus Ajax encounter is also expected to play a significant role in assessing Kenya's preparedness to host international football matches.

According to Mwangi, the match will provide an opportunity to simulate the demands associated with hosting elite football, particularly at Talanta Sports City, which is among the key facilities being prepared for the continental tournament.

"The proposed Bayern Munich versus Ajax encounter will provide a particularly important test of our preparedness, offering an opportunity to simulate the demands and operational conditions associated with hosting elite international football. 

"The match will be a major dress rehearsal, particularly for the newly developed Talanta Sports City and the wider tournament infrastructure," he noted.

Mwangi said the preparations would be coordinated through a Whole-of-Government Approach, with the focus extending beyond the completion of sporting facilities to ensuring security, efficient operations and compliance with CAF requirements.

"Working through a Whole-of-Government Approach, in close collaboration with CAF and other stakeholders, we remain committed to accelerating the outstanding modifications and final adjustments for all AFCON 2027 venues. 

"As Kenya advances towards the final stretch of preparations, our focus remains firmly on delivering not just world-class sporting infrastructure, but a seamless, secure and professionally executed tournament that will meet CAF standards and showcase Kenya's capacity to host Africa's biggest football spectacle," he concluded.

This comes days after Mvurya unveiled the 2027 AFCON 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.

"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.