Posted on :Tuesday , 2nd April 2024

Kenyan President William Ruto congratulated the country's selection to co-host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 and shared information about upcoming construction and renovations in an official dispatch from the executive office.

In preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Kenya is constructing a number of stadiums to highlight its dynamic infrastructure and illustrious sports legacy. With this great hosting opportunity comes a rush of excitement, as well as the enormous responsibility of preparing for one of Africa's most renowned football tournaments.

Kenya recently launched the Sports and Arts Infrastructure Masterplan (SAIM). The first phase of SAIM aims to ensure that Kenya has stadiums capable of hosting international football competitions. The project comprises the construction of a new stadium as well as the renovation of three existing ones.

Ababu Namwamba, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Sports, and Arts, stated at the masterplan's launch: "[SAIM] is a comprehensive, compact, time-bound masterplan so that when we create any stadium, any piece of sports and arts infrastructure, it will no longer be a hassle.

Talanta, a new 50,000-seat stadium, will be constructed near Nairobi's Jamhuri grounds and completed by 2025. Three stadiums will be upgraded: the Nyayo national stadium and the Kasarani stadium at the Moi international sports complex in Nairobi, and the Kipchoge Keino stadium in Eldoret, western Kenya.

The defense ministry will be the primary executing agency for the four projects. "We have previously worked with the defence ministry in the creation of several major projects, and [they] have demonstrated remarkable efficiency and completed the project on schedule. Today, we are secure in entrusting these projects to them for monitoring," Namwamba explained.

Kenya's readiness to host AFCON 2027 demonstrates the country's commitment to make its imprint on the international athletic stage. Kenya is well-positioned to provide fans and participants with a fantastic tournament experience, thanks to refurbished stadiums, enhanced transportation, increased security, and a commitment to local football development.