CAF, East African hosts step up AFCON 2027 readiness as PAMOJA preparations gather pace

CAF and the three East African hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations have stepped up preparations for the tournament, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania reviewing their readiness and outlining the next phase of delivery.

The three countries held a high-level meeting with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) through the PAMOJA Oversight Council to assess progress and ensure their preparations remain aligned with the requirements of the continental showpiece.

The meeting, chaired by CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu at Talanta Plaza, brought together Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya, his counterparts from Uganda and Tanzania, presidents of the three CAF member associations and senior officials from the respective Local Organising Committees.

Hosts tackle cross-border movement

A major focus of the discussions was the proposed PAMOJA Visa Framework, which is designed to simplify movement between the three host countries during the tournament.

Mvurya and his counterparts assured CAF that their governments remain committed to advancing and implementing the framework, which is expected to facilitate the movement of supporters, teams, officials, accredited media, sponsors and suppliers across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The framework will also provide for immigration and customs facilitation, particularly for tournament-related equipment and goods, with each host nation assessing the requirements within its jurisdiction and committing to the necessary measures.

Mvurya urged all stakeholders to approach the preparations with unity and discipline, stressing the importance of delivering a tournament that will leave a lasting impression.

“This is a national assignment. We must put our best foot forward, work as one team and deliver an AFCON that will leave a lasting legacy for our country,” said Mvurya.

Kenya reports progress on infrastructure

Kenya also used the meeting to highlight progress on stadiums, training facilities and other supporting infrastructure, following ongoing CAF inspections and assessments.

Mvurya said the country has made significant progress and remains committed to addressing recommendations from CAF within the agreed timelines.

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

“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.”

According to Mvurya, the main stadium and most auxiliary works have reached 94 percent completion, with the project now entering its finishing stages.

“The main pitch is ready, awaiting stitching, with focus shifting to the two remain training facilities, currently at 50% and 40% completion.”

He added that Kenya had received positive feedback from CAF on its progress and compliance, while engagement continues over the outstanding works.

“The latest assessment from CAF has given us positive ratings on our progress and compliance. We continue engaging with CAF on the remaining scope of work to ensure that Kenya attains 100% compliance with the required standards.”

Harambee Stars set title target

While preparations for the tournament infrastructure continue, Mvurya has also called for greater attention to Kenya’s national team.

The Sports Cabinet Secretary tasked the Football Kenya Federation and the technical leadership of the Harambee Stars with developing a clear preparation plan, including strengthening the coaching set-up and identifying the country’s best available talent.

“I have also tasked FKF to develop a decisive strategy for strengthening the Harambee Stars technical bench, identifying our best talent and adequately preparing the team,” said Mvurya.

“Our ambition must go beyond participation; we must prepare a team capable of competing for the AFCON title on home soil.”

PAMOJA expected to deliver wider legacy

Beyond football, Kenya sees the 2027 tournament as an opportunity to promote tourism, hospitality, culture and investment while generating business opportunities across the country and the wider region.

Mvurya called on corporate Kenya and the private sector to play a leading role in supporting the competition, backing the national team and partnering with government to deliver a successful tournament.

The three host governments have reaffirmed their commitment to a coordinated approach, with a unified tournament identity and shared decision-making expected to underpin the preparations.

With Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania working together under the PAMOJA concept, the 2027 AFCON is being positioned not only as a continental football spectacle but also as a platform to strengthen regional integration and create a lasting sporting and economic legacy for East Africa.