Kenya intensifies AFCON 2027 preparations as Koskei chairs high-level sector readiness review
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei leads Principal Secretaries in assessing progress across stadiums, security, health, transport and other critical areas ahead of the co-hosted tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei on Tuesday convened a coordination meeting with Principal Secretaries to review Kenya’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The review focused on progress in key sectors as the country works towards the tournament, which runs from 19 June to 17 July 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the East Africa Pamoja framework.
Koskei said government agencies have been assigned clear responsibilities and timelines. The meeting examined stadium readiness, security, health services, immigration, transport, accommodation, power, ICT, broadcasting and hospitality.
“AFCON 2027 is coming home to East Africa, and Kenya is getting ready,” Koskei said after the discussions. He added that Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection visits and technical engagements continue to guide the work, helping identify gaps and keep implementation on track.
“Across Government, teams have clear responsibilities and timelines, with the focus firmly on delivering the tournament and ensuring Kenya is ready when the first whistle blows,” he stated.
Koskei also highlighted the broader opportunity the tournament presents. Beyond the matches, he said AFCON can showcase Kenya, boost tourism and trade, and expand business opportunities for MSMEs, creatives and the hospitality industry. The longer-term goal, he noted, is lasting benefits through modern sporting facilities, stronger football infrastructure and more opportunities for young Kenyan talent.
Principal Secretary for Defence Dr Patrick Mariru, who attended the meeting, confirmed that the Ministry of Defence is supervising development, renovation and upgrading of game and training venues. These include Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium, Kasarani, Nyayo, Kipchoge Eldoret, Ulinzi and Police Sacco facilities. He stated that the venues will be ready.
Kenya’s main competition venues are expected to centre on the new Talanta Stadium in Nairobi and the renovated Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. CAF technical inspections of host facilities are ongoing across the three countries.
The multi-nation Pamoja approach requires coordinated logistics, security protocols and tournament delivery among Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Officials have emphasised that inter-agency milestones remain non-negotiable as CAF compliance deadlines approach.
The meeting forms part of intensified government coordination as the countdown to the first East African-hosted AFCON in five decades continues.
Other News: Protests erupt in Watamu after dawn demolitions displace over 38 families
